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Cunha brace and Vinicius strike fire Brazil top of Group C

Matheus Cunha scored twice and Vinicius Junior added a third in a dominant first-half display as Brazil eliminated Haiti and moved top.

By Mira Faraj1 min read
Cunha brace and Vinicius strike fire Brazil top of Group C. Meridian world.

Brazil rediscovered their rhythm with a comfortable 3-0 win over Haiti at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, all three goals arriving in a one-sided first half. Carlo Ancelotti's side looked markedly sharper than in their opening draw with Morocco and moved top of Group C heading into the final round.

Cunha leads the rout

Matheus Cunha opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, turning home the rebound after Vinicius Junior's effort was saved. The forward doubled the lead on 36 minutes, latching onto a Vinicius pass after Haiti lost possession in midfield and smashing a first-time finish into the roof of the net. Vinicius then turned scorer himself in first-half stoppage time, running onto Lucas Paqueta's lofted pass to slot past Placide.

Statement marred by injury

Haiti's high defensive line repeatedly invited runners in behind, and only the break spared them further damage. Brazil's near-flawless half was tarnished by an apparent hamstring injury to Raphinha, who limped off before the interval, a worry for Ancelotti ahead of the knockouts.

The victory ended Haiti's qualification hopes and left top spot in Group C wide open ahead of the final fixtures on 24 June.

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