Brazil eliminates Haiti 3-0, tops Group C at World Cup but loses Raphinha to thigh injury

Raphinha injury mars Seleção victory

Brazil took the lead through Matheus Cunha after 23 minutes, the goal coming from a rebound off Vinicius Junior's saved shot. Cunha doubled the advantage in the 36th minute, finishing a pass from Vinicius. The win was soured when Raphinha pulled up with a thigh problem in the 40th minute and had to be substituted. Just moments after his exit, Vinicius scored to make it 3-0 before half-time.

Haiti becomes first team eliminated

Haiti showed early aggression, earning a yellow card for Carlens Arcus after two hard tackles on Vinicius, but could not make their spells of possession count. The defeat, combined with a 1-0 loss to Scotland in their opener, confirmed their elimination from the tournament without having scored a World Cup goal.

Brazil, I think we are the first country to love them, really more than the Brazilians themselves. I remember back home in Haiti we would fight to watch Brazil's matches, especially against Argentina. So to play them in a World Cup is incredible.

Brazil tops Group C after Morocco's earlier win

Morocco had earlier beaten Scotland to go top, but Brazil's victory secured first place on goal difference. Ancelotti's side, held 1-1 by Morocco, now have four points and can reach the last 16 with a result against Scotland in their final group match.

Neymar still absent, Ancelotti rings changes

Brazil again played without Neymar, who is recovering from a calf injury. Coach Carlo Ancelotti made several changes from the Morocco draw, including bringing in Danilo and Matheus Cunha, and warned before the match that improvement was needed.

It's not simply about replacing players who are fresher; it's about changing to improve our play because the first half wasn't good.