21/06/2026

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SUNDAY 21st JUNE 2026

Malaysian Paper

Brazil find their groove Cunha stars in rampant Selecao win as Haiti suffer early World Cup exit

Matheus Cunha (centre) celebrates scoring Brazil’s second goal with Vinicius Junior (left) and Lucas Paqueta during yesterday’s World Cup Group C match against Haiti at the Philadelphia Stadium in Pennsylvania. – REUTERSPIC

C ARLO ANCELOTTI has got the response he would’ve desired from his Brazil team as they dominated Haiti to secure their first win of World Cup 2026, eliminating the Caribbean nation in the process. After Brazil’s underwhelming opening draw against Morocco left a lot to be desired, Matheus Cunha netted a brace to put the Selecao in control in Philadelphia. Vinicius Jr then made it three on the brink of half-time, latching on to a delectable lofted ball from Lucas Paqueta before slotting through the goalkeeper’s legs. They failed to add to their tally after the break, with Gabriel Martinelli hitting the bar and Endrick having a goal disallowed, but three points and a hefty enough scoreline meant they went to the top of Group C following Morocco’s 1-0 win over Scotland in an earlier match. However, all was not perfect for Brazil after Raphinha, who had an early goal disallowed, was forced off with a hamstring injury. Brazil’s win lifted them to the top of Group C

Injuries limited Neymar during Brazil’s 2026 qualifying campaign. But he was influential when he played, scoring twice and contributing three assists in four appearances. Meanwhile, Ancelotti did not commit to continuing with Cunha at centre-forward despite his first half double. Cunha started in place of Igor Thiago after coming on in the 61st minute of Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Morocco in their tournament opener. “He may,” the Italian coach said when asked if Cunha would remain in the centre-forward role. “I think that Matheus’ position was a good position for creating problems for the defence,” Ancelotti said. “And he filtered his passes very well, and his position was a good position to be effective at the front. “It can be an option. We discussed this yes terday. I don’t want a clear identity. Maybe we will change this on the next match.” – AFP/ Reuters

ment lives but Ancelotti insisted he was focus ing on the bigger picture. “We don’t think about knocking out (Scotland). We think about playing well and improving, and we analyse the match,” Ancelotti said. “If we can reach the first position of the group, that would be important for the future. So we want to prepare well for that match. “Scotland has its features. It can create a problem. It created problems to Morocco today. And so we have to focus on the match and be calm and be tranquil and keep on working to improve.” He also delivered encouraging news about Neymar, suggesting he is likely to return against Scotland. The 34-year-old, who has not played for Brazil since October 2023, is back in training after recovering from a calf muscle injury. “Neymar will train individually tomorrow, then rejoin the group on Monday, and he will be ready for the game against Scotland,” Ancelotti said.

on four points, level with Morocco but ahead on goal difference, and left them all but assured of a place in the last 32 with one game remaining. “It was a complete match, much better in the first half. In the second half we had more con trol, but we created plenty of chances and could have scored more goals,” Ancelotti told report ers. “It was what we expected from this game: better quality, fewer mistakes, more effective ness in attack and more control at the back.” “In terms of intensity it was a good match. Obviously we still have to improve, and we will improve to be ready for the knockout stage,” he added. The Italian said his team would turn their attention to Thursday’s final group match against Scotland in Miami, with top spot poten tially offering a smoother path in the knockout rounds. Scotland lost 1-0 to Morocco earlier yester day and will attempt to prolong their World Cup adventure when they meet Brazil. The Scots could be playing for their tourna

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