Brazil forward Matheus Cunha justified manager Carlo Ancelotti’s faith in him by scoring his first two FIFA World Cup goals in a convincing 3-0 victory over Haiti on Friday, a result that eliminated the Caribbean side from the tournament.

Cunha, handed a starting role in place of Igor Thiago, opened his World Cup account with two first-half goals, both created by Vinicius Junior, who also added Brazil’s third just before halftime.

The five-time world champions produced a far more polished display than in their opening 1-1 draw with Morocco, moving to four points in Group C and edging ahead of the Atlas Lions on goal difference.

“It was what I expected from this match — better quality, fewer mistakes, more effectiveness in attack and more control at the back,” Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said. “I think this was a good match.”

Brazil took the lead in the 23rd minute when Cunha’s pressure forced the ball over the line after Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide had parried Vinicius’ initial effort. Cunha doubled the advantage 13 minutes later, finishing clinically after being released by another incisive Vinicius pass.

Vinicius then capped an outstanding first-half performance in stoppage time, racing onto Lucas Paqueta’s through ball before calmly slotting past Placide to make it 3-0.

The only concern for Brazil was the apparent injury suffered by winger Raphinha, who was forced off in the 40th minute after earlier seeing one goal ruled out for offside.

Haiti, playing at their first World Cup since 1974, showed determination despite the defeat but became the first team eliminated from the tournament following Morocco’s 1-0 victory over Scotland earlier in the day.

“They showed that they deserved to be here at this World Cup,” Haiti coach Sebastian Migne said. “Unfortunately, we played against Brazil, and there was too much of a gap.”

Brazil will now look to build on the improved performance as they continue their quest for a sixth World Cup title.

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Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro praised the resilience and fighting spirit of his players after their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Turkey at the FIFA World Cup on Friday, insisting that his side should never consider themselves inferior to any opponent.

Paraguay stunned Turkey just 64 seconds into the match when midfielder Matias Galarza unleashed a superb long-range strike to give the South Americans an early lead.

The goal proved decisive, but Paraguay were forced into a determined defensive effort for the remainder of the contest, particularly after star midfielder Miguel Almiron was sent off in first-half stoppage time.

Despite playing with 10 men for more than half the match, Paraguay held firm against relentless Turkish pressure to secure a crucial victory that revived their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.

“We can face better teams and more important or prestigious opponents. We respect that, but we are never going to feel underdogs or inferior to any other opponents,” Alfaro told reporters after the match.

“We will always give our best and represent our jersey in the best possible way.”

The victory came as a strong response to criticism that followed Paraguay’s disappointing 4-1 defeat to co-hosts the United States in their opening Group D match.

Ahead of the Turkey clash, Alfaro had defended his squad from criticism, urging the media to direct scrutiny at him rather than his players.

His team answered in the best possible way, producing a spirited display that not only earned three points but also eliminated Turkey from the tournament.

Paraguay’s triumph, combined with the United States’ 2-0 victory over Australia earlier on Friday, confirmed the Americans as winners of Group D.

Alfaro admitted he was overwhelmed by emotion when the final whistle sounded.

“When we won the game when the final whistle was blown, I couldn’t believe it,” he said.

“I told my players that I wanted to see that joy when they look each other in the eyes, and you don’t need any words.

“Everything is boiling — your blood, your chest, everything. That’s what I wanted to see. I want that fighting spirit.”

The veteran coach said the result was less about tactics and more about character, determination and belief.

“Even if people think we’re dead, we’re not dead,” Alfaro declared.

Paraguay, appearing at their first World Cup since South Africa 2010, will return to the San Francisco Bay Area for their final group match against Australia on June 25, knowing another positive result could secure a place in the knockout rounds.

 

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK.

Germany will seek to build on the most emphatic victory of the opening round when they take on Côte d’Ivoire in a crucial Group E encounter at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The four-time world champions announced themselves as serious contenders with a stunning 7-1 demolition of Curaçao, the biggest win recorded by any team in the tournament so far. The result not only underlined Germany’s attacking prowess but also sent a warning to the rest of the field that the former champions are intent on reclaiming football’s biggest prize.

However, Côte d’Ivoire arrive with ambitions of their own and a record that suggests they will pose a sterner challenge than Germany’s opening opponents.

The Elephants have found the net in each of their last six World Cup matches, the longest scoring streak in the nation’s finals history. That consistency in front of goal has become a hallmark of the West African side, who continue to blend physicality, pace and technical quality.

For Germany, victory would all but guarantee a place in the knockout phase and maintain the momentum generated by their opening-day rout. Coach Julian Nagelsmann is expected to retain faith in the attacking formula that overwhelmed Curaçao.

Côte d’Ivoire, meanwhile, know that a positive result against one of football’s traditional giants could dramatically enhance their prospects of reaching the Round of 32.

With Germany’s firepower set against Côte d’Ivoire’s proven ability to score on the world’s biggest stage, the contest promises to be one of the most intriguing clashes of the second round of group matches.

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