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Mathieu Cunha opened Brazil’s World Cup campaign by scoring twice in a comfortable 3-0 win over Haiti in Group C.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side needed a response after their first-leg draw with Morocco and the decision to drop Brentford striker Igor Thiago for Manchester United forward Cunha in Philadelphia reflected that.
Cunha forced a deserved opener in the 23rd minute, turning in a rebound from Vinicius Junior’s saved effort although the forward was lucky though to accidentally kick defender Hannes Delcroix and deflect the ball over the line.
But there could be no doubting Cunha’s second strike as he superbly struck high at the near post as he lost his balance as Vinicius Jr moved in a third in stoppage time to cap Brazil’s impressive first-half performance.
The only negative for Brazil was winger Rafinha forced off in the 40th minute with an apparent hamstring injury. The Barcelona forward later had an ice pack strapped to the back of his right leg.
Bournemouth’s Ryan Rafinha replaced Neymar, still not back from a calf problem, while teenager Andrić made his World Cup debut in the second half, with a goal ruled out for offside by Brazil.
Brazil’s win keeps them top of Group C on goal difference although they face Scotland on Wednesday as they head into the final round with the top spot wide open. Lost to Morocco on Tuesday. Haiti’s second defeat means they are the first country to be eliminated.
Key moments in Philadelphia…
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23: Goal! Cunha powered in a decent opener from close range after Vinicius Jr’s shot was saved.
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36: Goal! Cunha struck again, curling a superb left-footed shot into the net at the near post.
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40: Injured Rafinha! The winger looks worried after being ruled out with a possible hamstring injury.
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45+3: Goal! Vinicius Jr. scored his second goal of the World Cup and Brazil’s third before half-time.
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64: Andric on! The Brazilian teenager came off the bench to make his World Cup debut.
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78: Offside! Endrik had a goal disallowed after a Ryan play.
Surfin USA!
Chunha celebrates his trademark-pulling twice!
Matthews Cunha celebrates after scoring his first goal
Vinicius Jr. (left) and Lucas Paqueta (right) join Matthews Cunha in his second celebration.
Ancelotti delivered but the problem is still solved
Sky Sports’ David Richardson:
Did anyone ever doubt Carlo Ancelotti? Brazil were under pressure to deliver after a poor display against Morocco and big decisions from the iconic manager.
Starting Cunha over Thiago meant Brazil had a fluid frontline as their makeshift striker was able to drop deeper and unlock a five-man Haiti defense with Vinicius Junior and Rafinha, who didn’t help themselves by playing too much.
The pace of the front three has exposed the rear to secure a regular victory, although a much tougher test awaits, with the 78-place gap between the two nations the largest in this year’s group stage.
There were still some worrying statistics for Ancelotti. Brazil’s eight shots were the joint-fourth most by any team to score at least three goals in a World Cup match since 1966, and just two in the second half, their joint-fewest total on record after halftime.
Rafinha’s injury also presents a new problem for a team that, at 30 years and 190 days, is their oldest starting XI in a World Cup match since 1962. Ancelotti introduced Ryan and Andric from the bench and now the kids could be forced to start.
