Brazil has finally started performing well in the World Cup and took a step towards the knockout stages with a 3-0 win over Haiti in Philadelphia, as they soothed the pressure about their tournament run.
Ultimately, the outcome took the wind out of Haiti’s ambitions, ending the Caribbean nation’s hopes of moving forward, as the country leaves the tournament after participating for the first time in 50 years.
After a frustrating 1-1 draw with Morocco in their first game, coach Carlo Ancelotti shuffled the bench, bringing Matheus Cunha into the second game.
Fortunately, the addition of Manchester United forward was proved pivotal as he delivered a much-needed attacking spark with a pair of goals.
Cunha was able to move and connect play and brought creativity to a Brazilian attack which had been short on ideas in its opening game.
Vinicius Junior was once again one of Brazil’s most outstanding players. The Real Madrid player helped with the first goal, set up Cunha’s second and capped it off with the third for Brazil.
Vinicius has risen to prominence, but Ancelotti said that performance should be achieved on a team basis rather than on the individual level.
This also became Brazil’s first match in seven matches where the opposite team did not score a goal boosting their confidence.
Ancelotti applauded the improvement in the overall standard of the team, attacking ability, and defensive ability and organisation, but added that there was still room for improvement before the knockout stage.
There was just one problem in the performance: Raphinha’s hamstring issue saw him sidelined before half time.
His health will be checked before Brazil’s final group match against Scotland, which will decide their group stage fate as well as their ranking in the group.
Also read: Algeria files complaint to FIFA after 3–0 loss to Argentina in WC clash
