Vinicius stars as Brazil beat Haiti 3-0 to strengthen World Cup hopes

The five-time world champions dominated throughout at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, with Matheus Cunha scoring twice before Vinicius capped an impressive first-half display with a goal of his own.

Brazil, wearing dark blue, took control from the opening whistle and repeatedly threatened down the left through Vinicius. Haiti’s physical approach resulted in an early booking for defender Carlens Arcus, but the underdogs initially managed to keep Brazil at bay.

Raphinha thought he had opened the scoring in the 12th minute after racing onto a long ball and finishing past goalkeeper Johny Placide, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.

Brazil’s pressure eventually paid off in the 24th minute. Vinicius cut inside from the left and forced a save from Placide, with Cunha reacting quickest to convert the rebound and give Brazil a deserved lead.

The breakthrough settled Brazil, who controlled possession and created further chances as Haiti struggled to mount a response.

Cunha doubled the advantage in the 36th minute after another contribution from Vinicius. The Real Madrid forward carried the ball through midfield before threading a precise pass into the path of the Manchester United striker, who fired an emphatic left-footed finish beyond Placide for his second goal of the match.

Brazil suffered a setback three minutes later when Raphinha was forced off with an injury and replaced by teenager Rayan.

Any hopes of a Haiti comeback were effectively ended in first-half stoppage time. A long ball over the defense released Vinicius, who sprinted clear and calmly slotted the ball through Placide’s legs to make it 3-0.

The goal completed an outstanding first-half performance from the Brazilian star, who was involved in all three goals.

Brazil eased off after the break but remained in control. Haiti enjoyed more possession and attempted to press higher up the field, yet struggled to break down a defense led by Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes.

Their best opportunity came in the 63rd minute when Ricardo Ade’s powerful header from a corner was brilliantly saved by Alisson.

Brazil introduced several substitutes, including highly rated teenager Endrick, who made his World Cup debut in the 64th minute. The 19-year-old believed he had marked the occasion with a goal in the 78th minute, but his finish was ruled out for offside.

Haiti continued searching for their first goal of the tournament and tested Alisson late on through Wilson Isidor and Dominique Simon, but the Liverpool goalkeeper preserved Brazil’s clean sheet with a pair of saves.

The victory leaves Brazil in a strong position to advance from Group C, while Haiti, still without a goal after two matches, became the first nation eliminated from the 2026 World Cup.

Despite the defeat, Haiti continued fighting until the final whistle and will now look to end their campaign on a positive note when they face Morocco in their final group match.

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