MANCHESTER United forward Matheus Cunha scored twice as Brazil produced an emphatic response to criticism following their opening-game draw with Morocco, comfortably defeating Haiti and moving to the top of Group C, while Paraguay boosted their knockout-stage hopes with a resilient victory that ended Turkey’s World Cup campaign.
NEWS POINT NIGERIA SPORT reports that Brazil’s convincing win condemned Haiti to become the first nation eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Paraguay’s spirited display, despite playing much of the match with 10 men, ensured Turkey also crashed out after suffering a second consecutive defeat.
For Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti, the performance represented a significant improvement from the disappointing 1-1 draw against Morocco. Facing lower-ranked opposition in Philadelphia, the five-time world champions displayed greater fluidity, creativity and attacking cohesion to secure a comfortable victory and strengthen their position at the summit of Group C.
Cunha, who was preferred to Brentford striker Igor Thiago in the starting line-up, opened the scoring in fortunate circumstances after 23 minutes. Haiti defender Hannes Delcroix inadvertently kicked the ball against the Brazilian forward, with the deflection spinning into the net. However, Cunha’s anticipation played a key role in the move as he reacted quickest after goalkeeper Johny Placide parried Vinicius Junior’s effort, forcing Delcroix into a desperate intervention.
The Manchester United attacker doubled Brazil’s advantage nine minutes before half-time when Vinicius Jr threaded an excellent pass into his path, allowing Cunha to rifle a clinical finish into the top corner. Vinicius then joined the scoresheet himself in first-half stoppage time, calmly finishing beyond Placide after a superb lofted pass from former West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta.
The only concern for Brazil came with an injury to Barcelona winger Raphinha, who was forced off during the first half and replaced by Bournemouth winger Rayan. Despite the setback, Brazil remained in complete control and never looked threatened.
Goalkeeper Alisson was required to make one notable save in the second half when Ricardo Ade rose highest to direct a corner on target, but Brazil’s dominance remained unquestioned. Teenager Endrick thought he had marked his World Cup debut with a goal late on, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.
The victory leaves Brazil level on points with Morocco but ahead on goal difference, with a decisive final group game against Scotland still to come. Haiti, meanwhile, are mathematically eliminated after suffering successive defeats and can no longer catch either Brazil or Morocco. Even if they were to finish level on points with Scotland, Steve Clarke’s side hold the superior head-to-head record.
Beyond his two goals, Cunha’s overall contribution highlighted why many observers believed he should have started Brazil’s opening match. The 27-year-old repeatedly dropped deep to collect possession, creating space for wide attackers Vinicius Jr and Raphinha while adding greater balance and unpredictability to Brazil’s forward line.
His trademark surfing celebration was on display after both goals, first mimicking standing on a surfboard before pretending to swim through waves after his second strike. The celebration reflected a performance full of rhythm, composure and movement, qualities Brazil had lacked in their opening fixture.
There had been surprise when Igor Thiago was selected ahead of him against Morocco, but Cunha’s display has strengthened his claim to lead Brazil’s attack for the remainder of the tournament. While sterner tests undoubtedly await than the world’s 81st-ranked team, Brazil will draw confidence from a much-improved attacking display.
In Group D, Paraguay produced one of the most resilient performances of the tournament to defeat Turkey despite playing with 10 men for the entire second half.
The South Americans made a dream start when midfielder Matias Galarza scored after just 64 seconds, firing home from outside the penalty area to register the fastest goal of the tournament so far. The strike ultimately proved decisive.
However, controversy struck deep into first-half stoppage time when former Newcastle United midfielder Miguel Almiron became the first player in World Cup history to be sent off under a newly introduced regulation penalising players for covering their mouths during confrontations.
Following an altercation with Turkey defender Mert Muldur, Almiron placed his hand over his mouth while speaking. After a VAR review, Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton produced a red card, leaving Paraguay to defend their lead with 10 men.
Both sides entered the contest under pressure after opening defeats. Paraguay had been thrashed 4-1 by hosts USA, while Turkey were beaten 2-0 by Australia, making the encounter effectively a must-win fixture for both teams.
Turkey dominated possession throughout the match and created a remarkable number of opportunities but once again failed to convert their superiority into goals.
Before Almiron’s dismissal, Muldur saw a deflected header strike both the crossbar and the post, while Turkey managed only one shot on target despite attempting 12 efforts in the opening half.
The numerical advantage after the break failed to transform Turkey’s fortunes. Merih Demiral tested goalkeeper Orlando Gill, substitute Deniz Gul squandered a close-range header, and Can Uzun forced another excellent save before Gul missed the rebound, although the effort would likely have been disallowed for offside.
The statistics paint a remarkable picture of Turkish dominance. After registering 30 shots in their opening defeat to Australia, they produced another 32 attempts against Paraguay, giving them 62 shots without a goal in two matches.
According to Opta, that represents the highest number of attempts without scoring across any two-match span in World Cup history since records began in 1966. Turkey enjoyed 71.6 per cent possession against Australia and 78.5 per cent against Paraguay, while generating expected goals figures of 1.33 and 2.1 respectively.
Across both games, they accumulated more than 100 touches inside opposition penalty areas but managed only 13 shots on target. Despite consistently outperforming opponents statistically, Vincenzo Montella’s side remain goalless and are now mathematically eliminated regardless of the outcome of their final group match against the United States.
For Paraguay, however, the victory keeps their knockout hopes alive. They know a win against Australia in their final Group D fixture will secure progression to the last 32, capping a remarkable recovery after their heavy opening defeat.