Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha was the perfect fit for Brazil’s response as he doubled their lead against Haiti at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Brazil fired out some criticism after finding Morocco at a stalling draw in the first group game, but the concettos under Carlo were raring to go by the time they got to the second fixture.Carlo’s boys were upbeat with the potential to be much more incisive in attack after some criticism for the poor draw with Morocco in the opener of the group stage. The win puts Brazil on top of the group on goal difference, and brings a smile to the faces of those who have lost it on the way to the last chance Group C clash with Scotland. But for Haiti, the defeat is signal that they were eliminated from the World Cup, becoming the first country to drop out of the group stage.

First, it was all eyes were on Matheus Cunha, who started off the opener for Brazil. It paid off straight away, with the 27-year-old changing the way Brazil played attacking football with his movement, energy and fine touch and awareness. It took a little magic in the system with his first goal being scored in the 23nd minute. Defender Hannes Delcroix tried to beat Johny Placide’s easy shot as he scrapped at the ball but ended up hitting Cunha with the ball that bounced in. Cunha’s positioning and awareness was as much a part as luck of the draw, as he was in the right place to take advantage of the chance.

However, there was nothing fortunate about his second goal. Nine minutes before half-time Vinicius Jr had a shot of his own, his pass into Haiti’s defence was not only well to tempo, it was particularly accurate and Matheus Cunha made his mark on it. Ahead of schedule, he launched into Placide an impressive shot to the top corner, putting the Frenchman out of a game. It was the quality that got Ancelotti to put him into the starting 11 that was showcased particularly in the finish. It was also explained why he was a frequent subject of puzzlement for many supporters for not starting the opening game of Brazil. After the ram on ramp goal, Cunha had the usual surfing practice: jumping up on the ball, pretending to surf for a while before mimicking a swim back to the shore – which has become his signature.

It wasn’t all a result of Cunha’s Brazil. Vinicius Jr equally created a noticeable impression and challenged the defence of Haiti at all times with his quickness and mobility. The Real Madrid forward found the back of the net in the first half of time. The follow-up came from Lucas Paqueta who saw his run and poked a grand (!!) cross into the box, where Vinicius saw no need to rush and brought on his second goal of the tournament. It fitted the current tempo of play in Brazil where the attack was now much more mobile. Whereas, right from the beginning of the match, with the exception of the draw against Morocco where the front line could frequently be broken up in the middle, Brazil’s attackers seemed far more unsettling and coordinated, especially when it came to attacks up the field.

Despite the comfortable victory, there was one concern for Brazil. Raphinha had to be replaced after picking up a injury in the first half with Bournemouth youngster Rayan given the chance. The Barcelona winger, who had been flashing good form, had been big in Brazil’s attacking movement, but had to be removed from the field. It is hoped Ancelotti doesn’t need to bring a cambiar up too soon’ indeed, losing a player of Raphinha’s creative and experience touch would certainly be disappointing in the game as the fray starts now.

Haiti, on the other hand, had trouble dealing with Brazil throughout most of the night. They were ranked 81st in the world, fought hard and demonstrated great commitment but had seldom shown potential to make a big break. There was a good chance in the second half from Ricardo Ade from a corner kick and he headed the ball hard home. Brazil’s own shot stopper, Alisson, came up with a cherry on the cake at the last to secure the shutout, being one of the rare opportunities that called for solid ball brilliant form from the Liverpool stopper. Outside of that chance Brazil stayed in control and played the game well.

This marks Haiti’s withdrawal from World Cup play. With both players still on course to qualify for the playoffs, they will miss out on any chance to beat Morocco and Brazil in the standings should they earn the victory in their last group outing. They are potentially equal on points to Scotland but there is a better head-to-head record for Steve Clarke’s side and there are no chances for Haiti to go up in Group C. The Caribbean nation is being demoralised by this result, but the fact that they had to come up against an opponent of with that much depth and experience is a hard blow for the team.

Last but not least, Matheus Cunha responsible for Brazil’s best performance. He had a couple of goals to his credit but was often on the floor getting rid of high pressure, creating space and ensuring there was balance to the attacking play. His mobility gave Vinicius Jr and Raphinha the opportunity for room to operate and also gave Brazil a real option of target in the final third. On the promotional side, teenage sensation Endrick came within a stone of making his World Cup debut at the back of extra time with a late goal, but failed to get past offside visitors to put the rockets away, rather highlighting the abundance of attacking players under Ancelotti’s command.

There will be harder tests ahead for Brazil with the Scottish test kicking off and perhaps heading into the knockout stages of the tournament. But with everything working right, that’s what the five-time world champions can do. More than anything else, Matheus Cunha proved himself in the starting line-up to dispel any doubts about him, with intelligence and leadership side by side and his goals. For Brazil to go through the remaining season with a chance of winning a sixth World Cup, displays such as this for a weak Cunha might generate magic going forward in the coming weeks.

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