Brazil secured their first win of the World Cup with a 3-0 victory over Haiti, but the match was marred by a potentially serious injury to winger Raphinha. The Barcelona star was forced off just before half-time after appearing to pull up with a hamstring problem in his right leg.
Match Overview
Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha, deployed as a striker, scored a first-half brace to put Brazil in control. Vinicius Jr added a third just before the interval, calmly slotting past the Haiti goalkeeper to seal a dominant performance for Carlo Ancelotti's side.
Raphinha's Injury
Raphinha had started brightly in Philadelphia and had an early goal ruled out for offside. However, his evening took a turn when he pulled up with what appeared to be a hamstring issue. Brazil's medical staff attended to him before he left the pitch visibly frustrated.
The winger has been plagued by hamstring injuries this season, missing a total of 105 days for Barcelona last term. Vinicius Jr expressed concern after the match, telling media: 'It's a shame Rapha got injured. I think it was the same injury as last time. We're very sad about that. I hope it's nothing serious and that he can continue with us.'
Replacement Concerns
Should Raphinha's injury be serious enough to end his World Cup participation, Brazil will be unable to call upon a replacement, as the deadline for changes passed before their first game last week. Midfielder Paqueta added: 'He's a little down, we hope it's nothing serious because he's a very important player, and we count on him a lot.'
Official Statement and Neymar Update
Brazil released an official statement saying 'the player has begun treatment and will be re-evaluated.' They face Scotland in their final group game on Wednesday. With Raphinha likely a major doubt, Ancelotti hopes to have Neymar available for that match. The Brazil legend has not featured yet due to a calf injury and has been training separately in New Jersey while the team traveled to Philadelphia.
Ancelotti confirmed: 'Neymar will train individually tomorrow (Saturday) and then, on Monday, he will be with the team and will be ready for the game against Scotland.'
