Brazil beat Haiti 3-0 in Philadelphia and moved closer to the knockout stage, while Haiti became the first team effectively eliminated from the round of 16 race. The result followed Brazil’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Morocco in its opener, and came after Morocco defeated Scotland earlier in the day, leaving the group standings tight at the top and Haiti on zero points.
Brazilian supporters, tens of thousands in yellow, kept singing and drumming throughout the night, even when the team looked uncertain early on. Haiti, despite losing to Scotland in its first match, began bravely and held Brazil for about 15 minutes. But Carlo Ancelotti’s side gradually imposed itself, helped by two lineup changes from the Morocco game, including Mateus Cunha starting at center forward.
The first goal arrived in the 23rd minute after Vinicius tested goalkeeper Johnny Placide, whose poor save allowed Cunha to force the ball over the line. In the 36th minute, Brazil struck again on a fast counterattack, with Vinicius setting up Cunha for a sharp diagonal run and a powerful finish into the top corner. The only concern for Brazil came when Raphinha, who had also had a goal disallowed for offside, left injured after sitting down on the pitch.
Brazil completed the scoring in first-half stoppage time. Lucas Paqueta sent a long accurate ball, Vinicius controlled it and finished low past Placide for 3-0. The second half was calmer, though Haiti nearly scored when Ricardo Adé headed on target from a corner and Alisson saved. After the match, Ancelotti said, “This was the game I expected to see,” praising Brazil’s quality and control while adding, “Of course we need to improve.” Haiti coach Sebastian Mina said his players “proved they deserve to be in this World Cup,” but acknowledged the gap against Brazil. Haiti, back at the tournament for the first time since 1974, will next face Morocco on June 25 in Atlanta, while Brazil plays Scotland the same day in Miami.
