Brazil on Friday took control of their destiny in Group C with a 3-0 victory over Haiti that ended the Caribbean nation's chances of reaching the last 32. Two goals from Manchester United striker Matheus Cunha and a Vinicius Junior strike sealed a comfortable win for the Brazilians in a one-sided game at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field. The result ensured Haiti will finish bottom of Group C and are the first team to be eliminated from contention for a place in the knockout rounds.

Brazil's victory though was marred by an apparent injury to star forward Raphinha, who left the game in the 40th minute after an innocuous-looking tussle with Haiti defender Martin Experience. Brazil are now level on four points with Morocco in Group C, but lead the North Africans on goal difference. Coach Carlo Ancelotti said Brazil produced a "complete performance" in Friday's 3-0 World Cup win over Haiti and will continue to improve ahead of the knockout phase.

The five-time World Cup winners bounced back from an underwhelming 1-1 draw with Morocco, as Matheus Cunha scored twice in Philadelphia and Vinicius Junior struck for the second game running at the tournament.  Brazil's win lifted them to the top of Group C 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 control, but we created plenty of chances and could have scored more goals," Ancelotti told reporters.  "It was what we expected from this game: better quality, fewer mistakes, more effectiveness 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 Wednesday's final group match against Scotland in Miami, with top spot potentially offering a smoother path in the knockout rounds. 

Scotland lost 1-0 to Morocco earlier on Friday and will attempt to prolong their World Cup adventure when they meet Brazil.  "We want to prepare well for the match. Scotland have their own characteristics and caused problems for Morocco today. We need to focus on the game, stay calm and composed," Ancelotti said.  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.  Haiti coach Sebastien Migne said there was "huge disappointment" as the Caribbean nation became the first to be eliminated from the World Cup following a 3-0 defeat by Brazil on Friday. Back-to-back losses for Haiti, who are competing at their first World Cup in 52 years, mean they will finish bottom of Group C regardless of the result in their final game against Morocco. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)