Full-time: (Brazil 3-0 Haiti)
After a lackluster performance against Morocco, today’s victory certainly gave some momentum to Brazil’s World Cup campaign. However, they remained a mere shadow of the traditional Seleção teams of the past.
Matheus Cunha found the net twice in the first half, and Vinícius Júnior scored for the second consecutive match. Yet, Carlo Ancelotti’s team subsequently focused more on conserving energy and running down the clock rather than increasing their goal tally. If goal difference ultimately decides the top spot in Group C, this decision by Brazil could land them in serious trouble.
84th Minute: (Brazil 3-0 Haiti)
Although Haiti looked organized outside the Brazilian box, they lost their attacking edge when trying to penetrate the area. Throughout the match, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, and Casemiro managed their defensive zone with great intelligence.
57th Minute: (Brazil 3-0 Haiti)
Vinícius missed a golden opportunity to extend the lead to 4-0 after receiving a brilliant long diagonal pass from Marquinhos. Instead of shooting immediately, the Real Madrid forward lost control of the ball while trying to set up a curling right-footed shot from the edge of the box.
Half-time: (Brazil 3-0 Haiti)
The Seleção went into the break with a 3-0 lead, facing little resistance. This marked the first time since 2002 that Brazil scored three goals in the first half of a World Cup match.
45+3 Minutes: (Brazil 3-0 Haiti)
Vinícius Júnior extended the lead to 3-0 during first-half stoppage time after receiving a superb, defense-splitting pass from Lucas Paquetá. Outfoxing the Haitian defense with his pace and a cool-headed finish, Vinícius extended Brazil’s lead just before halftime.
36th Minute: (Brazil 2-0 Haiti)
Matheus Cunha doubled the lead after receiving a brilliant pass from Vini Jr. The Manchester United striker scored his second goal by blasting the ball into the top corner of the net from a tight angle with his weaker (left) foot.
23rd Minute: (Brazil 1-0 Haiti)
Matheus Cunha broke the deadlock for Brazil, though much of the credit goes to Vinícius. The Haitian goalkeeper saved his powerful shot from the left flank, but the rebound deflected off Cunha and into the net as the opposition tried to clear it.
12th Minute: (Brazil 0-0 Haiti)
Raphinha put the ball in the Haitian net, but the goal was disallowed due to offside. Despite the excellent finish, the linesman’s raised flag meant Brazil failed to break the deadlock.
4th Minute: (Brazil 0-0 Haiti)
Haiti full-back Carlens Arcus received a yellow card for a late challenge on Brazil’s Douglas Santos. Picking up a booking so early in the match is set to put significant pressure on the defender.
Brazil vs. Haiti Lineups
After dropping points in their opening match, five-time world champions Brazil are taking the field today in search of their first win. Following a 1-1 draw against Morocco in the first game, the Seleção face Haiti in their second group-stage match. Meanwhile, for Haiti—who lost 1-0 to Scotland in their opener—this match is a battle for survival in the tournament.
With Neymar still sidelined due to injury, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has not made many changes to his attack. Matheus Cunha is playing as the striker today, replacing Igor Thiago, who performed poorly in the first match. The coach has retained Casemiro and Lucas Paquetá in the starting XI, despite their struggles in the first match.
Meanwhile, a major change has been made to the Haiti squad; Sunderland forward Wilson Isidor has been benched, with Josué Casimir getting the nod in the starting lineup today.
Brazil XI: Alisson Becker (Goalkeeper), Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Danilo Santos, Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Lucas Paquetá, Raphinha, Vinícius Júnior, Matheus Cunha.
Haiti XI: Johny Placide (Goalkeeper), Carlens Arcus, Jean Delcroix, Ricardo Adé, Martin Experience, Danley Jean, Jean-Kévin Duverne, Louicius Deedson, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Mondy Prunier, Frantzdy Pierrot.
