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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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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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK

As the Netherlands prepare for a crucial FIFA World Cup Group F clash against Sweden, Dutch coach Ronald Koeman will be reminded of a personal chapter that began against the same opponents more than four decades ago.

For Koeman, Saturday’s encounter is more than another World Cup fixture. It is a reunion with the team that handed him one of the most difficult introductions to international football.

On April 27, 1983, a 20-year-old Koeman made his debut for the Netherlands in a friendly match against Sweden in Utrecht. The occasion, which should have marked the beginning of a glorious international career, turned sour as the Dutch suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat.

Remarkably, that remains the only time Koeman faced Sweden during his distinguished playing career, despite going on to earn 78 caps for the Oranje and becoming one of the most celebrated defenders of his generation.

Now, 43 years later, he finds himself confronting the Scandinavian side again, this time from the touchline and with considerably more at stake.

The World Cup meeting comes at a critical moment for both nations. The Netherlands opened their campaign with an entertaining 2-2 draw against Japan, while Sweden emphatically launched their tournament with a 5-1 victory over Tunisia.

A win for either side would place them firmly on course for a place in the Round of 32.

Koeman’s football journey since that difficult debut has been extraordinary. He became a cornerstone of the Netherlands team that won the 1988 European Championship, remains one of the highest-scoring defenders in football history, and enjoyed trophy-laden spells with clubs including PSV Eindhoven and Barcelona.

As a coach, he has guided some of Europe’s biggest clubs and is now tasked with leading the Dutch challenge at the expanded 48-team World Cup.

Yet Sweden continue to occupy a unique place in his international story.

What began with disappointment in Utrecht has evolved into a curious football connection that spans more than four decades. Saturday’s contest offers Koeman an opportunity to finally enjoy success against the nation that spoiled his international debut.

The challenge, however, will be formidable.

Sweden arrive in a confident mood after dismantling Tunisia, with their five-goal performance serving notice of their attacking threat. The Dutch, meanwhile, know they must tighten their defence after surrendering a two-goal lead against Japan in their opening match.

History, therefore, adds an intriguing subplot to a fixture already carrying major significance.

For Koeman, the memories of that afternoon in 1983 may never completely fade. But football often offers opportunities for redemption, and the Dutch coach will hope that when he faces Sweden again on the World Cup stage, the outcome will be very different from the one that greeted him at the start of his international career.

With qualification ambitions hanging in the balance, Koeman’s long-awaited reunion with Sweden could become one of the defining moments of the Netherlands’ World Cup campaign.

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