Brazil thrash Haiti to strengthen World Cup credentials

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Five-time world champions Brazil delivered a dominant performance to defeat Haiti 3-0 in their World Cup second-round clash on Saturday, taking another significant step toward the knockout stage.

Goals from Matheus Cunha and Vinicius Junior ensured Carlo Ancelotti’s side maintained their impressive form, overwhelming the Caribbean nation with superior quality, possession and attacking threat throughout the contest.

Brazil’s relentless pressure eventually paid off in the 23rd minute when Cunha reacted quickest to a rebound inside the penalty area and calmly slotted into an empty net after goalkeeper Johny Placide had initially denied Vinicius Junior. The goal was briefly checked by VAR for a possible offside before being confirmed.

Having taken the lead, Brazil continued to dominate proceedings and doubled their advantage 13 minutes later. Vinicius Junior produced a clever through pass that released Cunha inside the box, and the striker made no mistake, firing a clinical finish into the top corner to make it 2-0.

Haiti struggled to contain Brazil’s attacking movement, with Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and Lucas Paqueta constantly probing for openings.

The South Americans effectively killed off the contest in first-half stoppage time when Vinicius Junior capped an outstanding display with a goal of his own. After receiving a neat pass from Paqueta inside the area, the Real Madrid star calmly finished from close range to send Brazil into the break with a commanding three-goal advantage.

The second half saw Brazil maintain control, although Haiti showed greater resilience and occasionally threatened through Dominique Simon, Wilson Isidor and Jean-Kevin Duverne.

Haiti thought they might have earned a penalty midway through the second period after a challenge inside the area, but referee Alejandro Hernandez waved away the appeals.

The underdogs continued to battle bravely and forced Alisson into several saves, including a powerful long-range effort from Simon late in the match.

Brazil, meanwhile, remained dangerous going forward. Endrick had a goal ruled out for offside, while Vinicius Junior and substitute Ederson both came close to adding further goals as Ancelotti rotated his squad.

The victory was achieved despite an injury setback to Raphinha, who was forced off before halftime and replaced by Rayan. However, the Brazilian attack never lost its rhythm as the Selecao comfortably saw out the match in front of a crowd of 68,324 spectators.

For Haiti, it is bye to the World Cup as they crashed out having lost their first game earlier.