BRAZIL 3-0 HAITI: Matheus Cunha struck twice as the Selecao got their World Cup campaign up and running in Philadelphia following last week’s underwhelming draw with Morocco

For a manager of Carlo Ancelotti’s pedigree and experience, it’s a surprise he was not cut some slack. Tomorrow is never promised at World Cups, particularly when you’re managing international royalty and five-time winners Brazil but Ancelotti’s recent team selections – both pre-tournament and versus Morocco in New Jersey – have been highly scrutinised in South America.

After Brentford frontman Igor Thiago faltered against the Atlas Lions at the MetLife Stadium, Real Madrid sensation Endrick has been a hot topic of conversation following his productive loan spell with French side Lyon. But Ancelotti, whose resume speaks for itself, went against the grain and selected Matheus Cunha as a makeshift centre-forward.

Cunha is not an out-and-out striker but it’s a role he previously mastered with Wolves to earn a £62.5million transfer to Manchester United and as a Bobby Firmino-esque ‘connector’ his inclusion paid dividends for Ancelotti. Not only did he score twice to as Brazil finally arrived at this World Cup but he also helped bring the best from Ancelotti’s red arrows; Vinicius Jr and Raphinha.

They would be largely expected to tear apart Haita – world ranking of 83 – but they started like a house on fire. Raphinha had a goal chalked off before Vinicius cooly converted the Selecao’s third deep into first-half stoppage time.

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Unfortunately for the Barcelona winger, he was forced off after just 40 minutes due to injury which is a major concern because he’s integral not only as a leader but also as a marksman and masterful creator. However good Bournemouth gem Rayan is, he is still only 19 and it would be unfair to pin the hopes of a demanding nation on such young shoulders.

For now, Brazil will await further clarity from team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar, who appeared concerned after conducting initial tests on Raphinha’s hamstring. The former Leeds forward has recently been struggling with blisters but muscle tightness, just two games into what is potentially an eight-game tournament, is deeply concerning.

Joao Pedro’s omission from this Brazil squad remains hard to wrap your heard around on the back of a 20-goal debut season with Chelsea but Cunha is savvy and well-rounded enough to lead the line. He did not know much about his opener, which fortuitously deflected off him but his second was an emphatic finish struck with real conviction.

Cunha was replaced by Endrick on 64 minutes and the roar when the latter was summoned by Ancelotti was deafening, even from behind the press-box glass. Where popularity is concerned, he is also supremely talented, the 19-year-old is seemingly the heir to Neymar throne.

He had a tidy goal chalked off to, which in addition to Cunha’s brace, will slightly ease the public pressure on Ancelotti to start him at the tip of Brazil’s attack.

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