Brazil's 3-0 win over Haiti was a much-needed boost for the World Cup favourites, but they still struggled to find their rhythm in the match. Matheus Cunha became the fifth player to score a brace for Brazil in a World Cup match this century, joining Ronaldo, Neymar, Luis Fabiano, and Richarlison. Vinicius Junior now has six goal involvements in six World Cup appearances, but Brazil lost more possession than Haiti in the middle third and had to deal with a suspected hamstring injury to Rapinha.
The game was effectively decided before half-time, with Cunha and Vini Junior ensuring the result was beyond doubt. However, Brazil struggled to impose themselves until the final whistle, and their ease in controlling the game after establishing their lead should not mask the fact that they once again struggled to impose themselves.
Brazil fielded their oldest starting eleven since the 1962 final against Czechia, and they were slow off the blocks in the first 20 minutes, partly because Haiti arrived with a clear defensive game plan. Possession was still plentiful, but Brazil's conversion lacked structure at the start.
Carlo Ancelotti is still working on a number of issues, and Brazil chose to begin cautiously against Morocco. This, and the fact that they are working behind the scenes to get Neymar fit for the Scotland game, is the reason why 3-0 against Haiti still doesn't deliver the oomph normally associated with them at World Cups.
Vini Junior implied as much, saying that their first game was totally different because they had the pressure of being their first one. Everyone was feeling lighter today, and the field was also in a better condition, so they were able to do their soccer.
Cunha's first goal carried an element of fortune, coming off a deflection that wrong-footed the Haitian defence as well as their goalkeeper. It was just the kind of lucky break Brazil needed to break down Haiti, who were forced to abandon their ultra-defensive approach.
Cunha's second goal was resounding; his powerful finish into the upper corner demonstrated precision and decisiveness - qualities sorely lacking in the 1-1 draw. In Cunha's energy, Brazil found a focal point, and Bruno Guimaraes, Lucas Paquetá, and Casemiro gave the heft Brazil needed in the midfield.
However, the inability to add more goals in the second half despite creating some chances must weigh on Brazil in a tournament where the best third-placed teams go through. Against Scotland, Brazil have another opportunity to improve, but Ancelotti is adopting a more holistic approach.
