Brazil finally found their rhythm. A 3-0 win over Haiti lifted Carlo Ancelotti’s side to the top of Group C, and it arrived just when they needed it most. Matheus Cunha delivered the perfect response on his first start, while Vinicius Junior added the gloss late in the first half.
Cunha and Vini Jr Steal the Show in Philadelphia
Cunha opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, scrappy but effective, turning home a rebound after Vinicius saw his initial effort saved. Thirteen minutes later, he doubled his tally with a far cleaner finish, smashing home at the near post after running off the shoulder of Haiti’s last defender. It capped a remarkable first start for the Manchester United forward, and emotion followed quickly. Cameras caught his mother in tears as her son celebrated on football’s biggest stage.
Vinicius wasn’t finished providing either. He set up both of Cunha’s goals before adding his own in stoppage time, slotting calmly after Lucas Paqueta picked him out in space. The performance earned him the match’s Man of the Match award, his second of the tournament so far. Back to back, and Brazil suddenly look like the side everyone expected.
Yet the night carried a sour note, too. Raphinha limped off in the 40th minute with what appeared to be a hamstring problem, replaced by Bournemouth’s Rayan, who marked his World Cup debut in style. Endrick also got his first taste of the tournament from the bench, even seeing a goal chalked off for offside as Brazil eased through the closing stages.
Ancelotti Plots Neymar’s Return for Scotland Clash
Attention now turns to Wednesday’s decisive clash with Scotland, and Ancelotti dropped a significant hint afterward. Neymar, sidelined by a calf issue, will train individually before rejoining the group on Sunday. Provided that session goes smoothly, he’ll be called up for the Scotland match, giving Brazil’s talisman a route back into the squad at exactly the right moment.
Raphinha’s situation looks more uncertain. Ancelotti confirmed the winger will undergo scans within 24 hours to determine the extent of the injury, with Brazil hoping it isn’t serious enough to rule him out. For now, though, confidence is flowing again. Brazil top the group, their front line is firing, and reinforcements are on the way.