Brazil 3 – Haiti 0: a masterclass in attacking football

The Brazilian Seleção didn’t just win their World Cup opener in Philadelphia—they delivered a footballing masterpiece. A 3-0 victory over Haiti showcased everything that makes the five-time world champions a global spectacle, from breathtaking individual brilliance to fluid teamwork that left the Grenadiers helpless.

Carlo Ancelotti made a bold tactical move by starting Matheus Cunha up front, replacing Igor Thiago after the stalemate against Morocco. The gamble paid off immediately. Just before the first commercial break, Cunha redirected a Vinícius Júnior shot past the Haitian goalkeeper, setting the tone for the evening.

Minutes later, Cunha doubled Brazil’s lead with a clinical left-footed strike into the top corner, assisted once again by Vini Júnior. The Manchester United striker’s celebration—arms outstretched, mimicking a surfer riding a wave—became an instant highlight reel staple.

The Seleção’s relentless pressure reached its peak just before halftime. Vini Júnior, electric as ever, exploited a defensive gaffe from Haiti’s backline, receiving a perfectly weighted lob from Lucas Paquetá to make it 3-0. The Brazilian midfielder had looked subdued against Morocco, but against Haiti, his confidence was restored.

Haiti fights back but falls short against the juggernaut

Haiti’s early yellow card in the fourth minute signaled their intent to press high, but it also forced them into a more cautious approach. Sébastien Migné adjusted his formation mid-game, shifting from a five-man defense to a more compact four, which stemmed the flow of chances. The Grenadiers never truly parked the bus, though. They continued to play with aggression, testing Alisson Becker with a well-worked corner routine involving Martin Expérience and Pierrot.

Brazil’s second half lacked the same cutting edge, partly due to Raphinha’s injury in the 40th minute. The Barcelona winger had been a constant threat on the right flank, and his absence was felt. Without Neymar in the squad—still sidelined by injury—Ancelotti’s options were limited. João Pedro, who had a standout season at Chelsea, might have been a viable alternative, but the coach avoided controversy by sticking with the squad’s established stars.

The Seleção’s failure to extend their lead after dominating possession and creating multiple chances will raise eyebrows. Defensive lapses, particularly in communication between Haiti’s backline and goalkeeper Johny Placide, went unpunished. Haiti nearly capitalized on a second-half corner, but Alisson’s reflexes kept Brazil’s clean sheet intact.

What’s next for Brazil and Haiti?

With this emphatic win, Brazil now faces a stern test against Scotland in their final group-stage match. A heavy defeat against Morocco in their opening game left them needing a strong performance to stay on track for the knockout rounds. Their last World Cup triumph dates back to 2002, and with each passing year, the pressure to reclaim the title grows.

For Haiti, their World Cup journey ends with this defeat, making them the first nation to be eliminated from the tournament. Their next match against Morocco is purely for pride, though they can take solace in their spirited performances. Their 1-0 loss to Scotland was narrow, and their display against Brazil—despite the heavy scoreline—showed flashes of promise. They’ll look to end their World Cup campaign on a high note, hoping for a goal scorer to emerge in the same vein as Emmanuel Sanon, who netted twice in 1974.

The Brazilian public, accustomed to expecting both victory and joga bonito, will demand more of their team. Ancelotti’s side showed they can play with flair and efficiency, but in a tournament where every goal matters, they must convert their dominance into a bigger winning margin.