PHILADELPHIA — Brazil delivered a 3-0 victory over Haiti to follow up a 1-1 World Cup draw with Morocco, but the win did not erase all questions around the team, according to the report. The national side wrapped up the result by halftime and enjoyed improved displays from several players who faced criticism after the opener.
Matheus Cunha scored twice and Vinícius Júnior contributed a goal and an assist as Brazil asserted technical superiority after an intense start from Haiti. Lucas Paquetá and Casemiro produced noticeably better performances than in the Morocco game, while Roger Ibañez and Igor Thiago were left out of the squad entirely, a selection move that aligned with public opinion, according to the report.
Raphinha limped off after 39 minutes with a muscular injury and is to undergo tests on Sunday; he was replaced by 19-year-old Rayan, a player Carlo Ancelotti described after the match as having a very different profile. The substitution highlighted the need for contingency plans if Barcelona’s Raphinha is unavailable, according to the report.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti cautioned against overreading the result, saying, “Every game is hard,” and adding that Brazil “can compete with anyone, including France … and including Haiti.” He declined to commit to Cunha as a long-term center forward despite the two goals, saying Cunha “could be a solution for the next game … or I might change it,” and noting Cunha may be used deeper in the role he occupies for Manchester United.
When Paquetá was withdrawn, Ancelotti shifted the team into a de facto 4-2-4 with Gabriel Martinelli and Rayan wide and Vinícius and Endrick through the middle. Endrick, who turns 20 on Sunday, entered with about 30 minutes remaining, had a goal ruled out and made little further impact. The result provided a mental lift, but the coaching staff still faces selection, formation and injury questions ahead of tougher opponents, according to the report.
