Brazil vs Haiti: Cunha makes his case with two goals

Matheus Cunha was the main football story in Brazil's 3-0 win over Haiti. He scored in the 23rd minute and again in the 36th minute, then came off in the 64th after doing enough to make a serious case for a bigger role for Brazil. The 9.3 rating backed up what the eye test already said, this was the standout display of the night.

Cunha turned one start into a selection argument

Cunha had been preferred to Igor Thiago and Endrick, and he used the chance well. Two goals in 64 minutes is the sort of output that forces a manager to think again, especially when Carlo Ancelotti has already been clear about wanting the World Cup to be Brazil's rather than any one player's. Vinícius Júnior also helped keep the attack moving, but Cunha was the one who changed the mood around the line-up.

The cleanest read is simple enough. If Brazil keep looking for a forward who can finish chances and do it early, Cunha has put himself right in the conversation after Brazil vs Haiti.

Raphinha's setback and Neymar's return shape the wider picture

The win was not only about Cunha. Raphinha was forced off in the 40th minute after hamstring tightness, and Bournemouth youngster Rayan came on for him. Ancelotti said Raphinha will be evaluated tomorrow and that nobody yet knows what happened. Lucas Paqueta was just as blunt about the mood inside the squad, saying, "I think we're all worried. We hope it's nothing serious. I still don't know anything, he still has to have an exam."

There was at least one calmer note for Brazil. Ancelotti said Neymar will train individually before joining the group and should be available against Scotland. Brazil top Group C with four points after two matches, so the win gives them a better base, but the group is still live and the selection picture is still changing.

Cunha's two goals gave Brazil the sharpest attacking evidence of the night. If the next question is who deserves more minutes, he answered it better than anyone else on the pitch.