PHILADELPHIA — Vinícius Júnior contributed a goal and an assist for teammate Matheus Cunha, who scored twice, as Brazil, a five-time World Cup champion, secured a 3-0 victory over Haiti on Friday night, effectively eliminating them from the tournament.
Haiti, which has the distinction of being the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1974 but became the first team unable to advance to the knockout stage. Brazil, however, delivered the dominant performance they needed.
“We executed a complete game, particularly in the first half,” Brazil’s coach Carlo Ancelotti remarked post-match. “We managed the second half well as well. Overall, it was a good performance.”
Cunha, who started the match despite being a late substitute in Brazil’s previous game against Morocco, proved his worth with each goal celebration, thrilling the Brazilian supporters among the 68,324 strong crowd at Lincoln Financial Field.
He opened the scoring by tapping in a rebound for his first World Cup goal, then scored again with a left-footed shot into the upper corner, giving Brazil a 2-0 lead before halftime against a struggling Haitian side.
“In this game, Matheus Cunha’s role was pivotal in creating issues for their defense,” Ancelotti commented. “He moved effectively and was well-positioned for through balls. He could be a key player moving forward. However, I might make changes for the next match.”
Brazil’s Raphinha had an early goal disallowed due to an offside call and was later substituted out because of injury during the first half. This did not dampen the festive atmosphere created by fans in yellow, celebrating their team’s performance in the home stadium of the two-time Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles.
Haitian fans put on a spirited display, singing “Grenadye Alaso” (“Grenadiers to the Attack”), while Brazilian supporters responded with chants celebrating their status as five-time champions, repeatedly honoring the legendary Pelé.
Cunha further ignited the crowd, made up of nearly 6,000 Brazilian immigrants, when he executed his signature surfing celebration.
“Wearing the No. 9 jersey at the World Cup is a great honor,” Cunha shared after the game. “Many extraordinary players have worn this jersey, and now I get to be remembered among them.”
“Carrying the weight of this jersey is part of the experience. You could feel the stadium’s energy today. That is Brazil; it’s painted in the streets. I see it more as a privilege than a burden.”
Vinícius, who netted a goal in Brazil’s previous match against Morocco, opened the scoring when his shot was saved by Haitian goalkeeper Johny Placide, allowing Cunha to score off the rebound for the first goal. Cunha celebrated enthusiastically, embodying the surfing spirit he is known for.
Vinícius then set Cunha up for the second goal, delivering a precise pass that allowed Cunha to drive the ball high into the net, with the Haitian goalkeeper left helpless.
Vinícius capped off a strong first half for Brazil with a goal, maintaining the team’s optimism as they prepare to face Scotland in Miami Gardens, Florida, in their final Group C match.
Though Brazil failed to score in the second half against a resilient Haitian side, they had another goal by Endrick ruled out for offside.
“Our approach shifted a bit, and although we hit the woodwork and had a goal disallowed, we could have performed better in the second half,” Ancelotti assessed. “We lacked a bit of intensity but we have to keep an eye on our upcoming matches.”
Neymar missed Brazil’s second consecutive match due to a lingering calf injury.
This report includes information from The Associated Press, with contributions from ESPN writer Gab Marcotti.