World Cup still waits for real Brazil to show up
Brazil’s World Cup campaign began with a promising 3-0 victory over Haiti, yet the triumph feels hollow without the presence of the team’s talismanic stars. The match, held in Philadelphia, saw Brazil secure its first win and first clean sheet of the tournament, but the second half revealed a worrying lack of ambition as the team failed to register a single shot on target after the break.
Goals from Matheus Cunha (two) and Vinicus Junior arrived early, giving Brazil a commanding lead by halftime. However, the team’s inability to sustain pressure raised questions about its readiness for tougher opponents ahead. Coach Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged the first-half dominance but expressed concern over the second-half lull, noting that while the team had opportunities to extend the lead, they failed to capitalize.
The absence of Neymar due to a calf injury and Raphinha’s early exit with a knock further underscored the team’s reliance on a fragile core. Neymar, who last played for Brazil in October 2023, is expected to return for the upcoming match against Scotland, but his fitness remains uncertain. Raphinha’s status will be assessed after the next training session.
Despite the concerns, Brazil’s historical legacy in the World Cup continues to grow. The victory over Haiti marked the nation’s 41st World Cup match with three or more goals, a record for any country. Moreover, Brazil’s all-time World Cup goal tally now stands at 241, surpassing Germany’s 239.
Looking ahead, Brazil faces Scotland in Miami, a match that could determine group leadership. Ancelotti emphasized the importance of playing well and improving, rather than focusing solely on the outcome. The team’s ability to integrate returning stars and maintain consistency will be tested in the coming games.
As the tournament progresses, the world waits to see if the “real Brazil” — the squad capable of blending individual brilliance with collective cohesion — will emerge. For now, the victory over Haiti serves as a reminder of Brazil’s potential, but also of the work that remains to be done.
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