Brazil beat Haiti 3-0, move top of Group C and set up final match vs Scotland

PHILADELPHIA, United States (AFP) — Brazil eased the immediate pressure but remain some way from the finished article at the World Cup after closing in on a place in the last 32 with an improved performance against Haiti. The five-time world champions beat the Caribbean side 3-0 on Friday in Philadelphia to move top of Group C, condemning Haiti -- playing at their first World Cup in 52 years -- to an early exit. While the win came against modest opposition, it offered welcome relief for Carlo Ancelotti, who had come under rare scrutiny in Brazil following a drab 1-1 draw with Morocco in the opener. Brazil showed greater attacking bite and edged closer to qualification, but questions remain about how they will fare against stronger opponents. "We can compete with any team. Whether it's Haiti or France, we have the quality to do so," Ancelotti said after claiming his first victory as a coach at a World Cup. Ancelotti's decision to make two changes from the side that drew with Morocco paid off, most notably the inclusion of Matheus Cunha up front in place of Igor Thiago. The Manchester United forward scored the opening two goals -- his first at a World Cup -- and his ability to drop into a deeper, playmaking role helped spark an attack that lacked creativity and punch against Morocco. Wearing the No.9 shirt, a number that has brought little fortune to Brazilian strikers at recent World Cups, Cunha proved too much for a combative Haiti side that succumbed to Brazil's superior quality. He combined effectively with Vinicius Junior, Brazil's standout performer so far at the tournament. The Real Madrid star was involved in the opener, set up Cunha for the second and scored the third himself. "I'm here in North America to do great things with the national team," Vinicius said. "I hope this can be my World Cup." Ancelotti, however, cautioned against placing Brazil's hopes solely on the 25-year-old. "We don't want it to be Vinicius's World Cup; we want it to be Brazil's World Cup," said the Italian.   - Raphinha injury concern -   Nonetheless, the renewed attacking chemistry gives Ancelotti confidence ahead of Brazil's final Group C match against Scotland on Wednesday in Miami. That match could see Neymar return from injury and will decide both top spot in the group and qualification. The victory over Haiti also delivered another boost to Brazil as they kept a clean sheet for the first time in seven games despite easing off in the second half. "It was what we expected from this game: better quality, fewer mistakes, more effectiveness in attack and more control at the back," said Ancelotti. "Obviously we have to improve, we have been improving, and we will keep improving in the next matches, but we need to make the most of this group stage so we're in good shape when the knockout phase begins." The main concern for Brazil was the fitness of Barcelona winger Raphinha, forced off before half-time with a hamstring problem. Ancelotti said he would be assessed by the team's medical staff on Saturday, but Vinicius suggested it was a recurrence of an injury that troubled him throughout the season. "He's a bit down," said midfielder Lucas Paqueta. "We hope it's nothing serious, or as minor as possible, because he's a very important player for us." Raphinha's potential absence could open the door for highly rated teenagers Rayan and Endrick, both 19. Bournemouth forward Rayan made his World Cup debut after replacing Raphinha, while Endrick came on in the 64th minute for Cunha and was loudly cheered by the Brazil fans at Lincoln Financial Field. "He knows what I give when I come on. I give my life for the team," Endrick said, after having a late goal ruled out for offside.  

Philadelphia, June 20: Brazil put up a much-improved performance against Haiti in their second Group C game and manager Carlo Ancelotti was satisfied after grabbing three points courtesy of a 3-0 win, which moved them to the top of Group C with one game to go against Scotland."We played well in the first half. In the second, we had a bit more control but missed many opportunities," Ancelotti said.Manchester United striker Matheus Cunha replaced Igor Thiago in the starting XI and it worked as he came up with a brace.Brazil show marked improvement"Bruno Guimarães, Lucas Paquetá and Casemiro were good in the midfield. Matheus positioned himself well for creating problems for the defence. It was an option we discussed yesterday, but it can change for the next match," he added.Ancelotti admitted that the injury to Raphinha in the first half, resulting in his replacement by Ryan, did impact their plans. Brazil were 2-0 up when he left the field. Vinicius Junior scored the third goal after assisting one in Cunha's brace."Raphinha was injured, we replaced him with Ryan and he did well. Vini is dangerous in attack and gives depth in the centre of the field. He can change position and others can adjust," he added.Focus shifts to ScotlandThe Brazil manager said they showed improvement in this match after a sloppy display against Morocco."I expected this match to have better quality and fewer mistakes. We improved and have to improve more. We will do better against Scotland to prepare for the knockouts," Ancelotti said.He also informed that Neymar will be available for the Scotland match and that Raphinha's injury will be assessed.We showed that we deserve to be here: Haiti coachThe head coach of the Haiti men's national football team, Sebastien Migné, said that the Caribbean nation gave Brazil a tough fight in the second half and showed they deserved to be at the tournament."After making mistakes in the first half and conceding goals, we realigned positions in the second half, made readjustments and changed tactics. The positive thing was we didn't give up and showed we deserved to be here. Unfortunately, we played Brazil and there was too much gap. Everything needs to be aligned, but we made two mistakes to concede goals and it put pressure on us," he said.Also Watch: FIFA WC26: Matheus Cunha Scores 2 Goals As Brazil Eliminates Haiti From World Cup With 3-0 WinHaiti qualified for the World Cup after 52 years, but after two losses they have been eliminated and the game against Morocco will be their last match."Unfortunately, yes, we are eliminated. We are disappointed. They were better than us and we need to learn lessons. We have five days from now to meet Morocco, semifinalists from the last edition," he added.