FIFA WC26: Matheus Cunha Scores 2 Goals As Brazil Eliminates Haiti From World Cup With 3-0 Win

Brazil lifted their game to down Haiti 3-0 in their second Group C match at the Philadelphia Stadium here on Friday night. Matheus Cunha scored a brace through Vinicius Junior’s one assist, and the Real Madrid star then scored his second goal of the tournament to put the South American giants in the box office seat in the first half. 

Haiti changed tactics in the second half to create more chances and stop the Brazil forwards from scoring to ensure there were no goals in the second half. For Brazil, it was completely the opposite of the first game, where they were sloppy against Morocco in the first half. Against Haiti, fielding an experienced side, they set things rolling but couldn’t replicate the same success in the second half, despite introducing youngsters like Endrick.  

Vinicius, who was the second straight Player of the Match, rolled back the years at the start with a skillful backheel lob for Raphino, who found the net but was caught in an offside trap in the 12th minute. It reminded Ronaldinho’s skills to feed Ronaldo, a couple of decades back when they dominated the world of football.  

Ten minutes later, Raphino got another through ball from Cunha, but the Brazilian striker shot just wide under pressure from an advancing Haitian goalkeeper, Johny Placide. But Haiti succumbed under pressure and conceded a goal from Cunha, who slotted a ball from Vinicius into the net.  

Cunha, who made a start on Friday, cashed on the opportunity just before the hydration break. He doubled the lead as Vinicius again did the work. Cunha finished powerfully from an acute angle in the 36th minute to make Brazil fans go gaga, along with the Samba dance.  

Brazil had six attempts on goal, with two on target, and no attempt from Haiti in the first half. Vinicius made it 3-0 in injury time with a low ball bypassing an advancing goalie. 

Haiti, which qualified for the World Cup after 52 years, showed that they belonged here with a more purposeful second half. They came close to scoring a couple of times, but veteran goalkeeper Alison Becker came up with acrobatic saves to deny them their first World Cup goal. Endrick, who was invited with loud cheers from Brazil fans after he replaced Cunha, found the net but was ruled offside. Another substitute, Gabriel Martinelli, also came close but found the woodwork.  

Brazil is currently at the top of Group C with four points and a better goal difference than Morocco, who earlier scrapped past Scotland 1-0 courtesy of Ismael Saibiri's quick goal. Haiti, who lost to Scotland, are also now eliminated from the competition as only the top two teams can progress, along with the eight best from the top three from 12 groups.