Brazil beat Haiti 3-0 to end Haitian World Cup hopes

PHILADELPHIA, United States. Matheus Cunha scored twice and Vinícius Júnior added a goal and an assist as Brazil beat Haiti 3-0 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia to book their place in the next round of the World Cup.

Haiti, competing at their first World Cup since 1974, became the first team to be eliminated from knockout-stage contention in the expanded 48-team tournament.

Cunha seizes his chance

Cunha, who had been used only as a late substitute in Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Morocco, made a strong case for a regular starting place in front of a large Brazilian crowd.

Vinícius was central to the first two goals. His initial effort was saved by Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide, but Cunha reacted fastest to score from the rebound. Vinícius then threaded a pass through the Haitian defence for Cunha, who fired a powerful left-footed shot into the top corner.

Vinícius added a goal of his own before half-time, putting the match beyond Haiti.

Brazil suffered an early setback when Raphinha was forced off injured in the first half, shortly after having a goal ruled out for offside.

Haiti’s Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Louicius Deedson protested to referee Alejandro Hernández during the Group C match.

Neymar set to return

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said Neymar is expected to return from a calf injury for the final group match against Scotland after missing the first two games.

In another match, Paraguay beat Turkey 1-0 with 10 men, Matias Galarza scoring after 65 seconds, the fastest goal of the tournament so far. The result secured first place in Group D for the United States.