Cunha double fires Brazil top and ends Haiti's hopes

Matheus Cunha scored a brace and Vinicius Jr added a third as Brazil cruised to a 3-0 victory over Haiti, moving top of Group C on goal difference and ending the Caribbean nation's hopes of progressing at the FIFA World Cup.

Match Summary

Brazil goals: Cunha (23, 36), Vinicius Jr (45+3). The five-time champions took over 20 minutes to break through, but once they did, there was no stopping them. Vinicius Jr created the first goal with a shot that Haiti goalkeeper Johnny Placide could not hold, and Cunha tapped in from close range. Thirteen minutes later, the same combination paid off again: Vinicius Jr won possession in midfield and slid the ball through to Cunha, who lashed it into the top corner to double Brazil's lead. In first-half stoppage time, Vinicius Jr switched from playmaker to goalscorer, controlling a pass from Lucas Paqueta before sliding the ball under an onrushing Placide.

Second Half and Implications

In the second half, Brazil managed the game while seeking more goals. Second-half substitute Gabriel Martinelli hit the crossbar, and Endrick found the net only to have his celebrations cut short by an offside flag. Haiti battled to open their account at the tournament but could not find a way past Brazil goalkeeper Alisson. With the defeat, Haiti's first World Cup appearance since 1974 will end after their match against Morocco on June 24. Brazil will face Scotland the same day in Miami, with top spot in the group at stake.

Historical Context

Cunha's first goal was just his second senior international goal for Brazil and his first at a World Cup. His double helped Brazil overtake Germany as the highest-scoring country in World Cup history, with 240 goals.