Raphinha injury overshadows Brazil's win over Haiti

Brazil's 3-0 win over Haiti was supposed to be about control and comfort. Instead, the focus landed on Raphinha, who went off in the 40th minute after pulling up with a hamstring problem in the first half. Brazil later said he felt pain in his right hamstring and had already begun treatment, with a re-evaluation still to come.

Raphinha's first-half exit

The winger dropped to the ground, held the back of his right leg and walked off before half-time. He played 40 minutes and had one shot on target before the issue ended his night. That is enough to make the injury the central story, especially with Brazil not saying how serious it is yet.

Brazil's medical statement was careful. It said Raphinha felt pain in his right hamstring, had started treatment and would be re-evaluated when more information is available. That leaves the real question open, and it is already being framed as a setback by people around the game, with Emma Hayes calling it "a significant loss."

Cunha's brace did the damage

Matheus Cunha still had a strong night in front of goal, scoring twice in 64 minutes with finishes in the 23rd and 36th minutes. Brazil's 3-0 win was never in doubt once he settled the game, and Carlo Ancelotti admitted the team still needs to improve despite the scoreline, saying: "We can do better... We have to do better."

Cunha's display will keep his name in the conversation, but that is secondary to the injury issue now hanging over Brazil. Brazil vs Haiti ended as a routine result on the scoreboard and a worrying one for one of Brazil's main attackers. The next update on Raphinha will come after the re-evaluation.