PHILADELPHIA, June 19 : Carlo Ancelotti did not solve all of Brazil’s problems in one half against Haiti, but he at least offered supporters a clearer idea of where this side might be heading after the frustration of their World Cup opener.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brazil’s 3-0 win came against a limited Haiti side who often pushed forward with little regard for the space they left behind, making life easier for a team searching for fluency, rhythm and short-passing combinations in the final third.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, after the 1-1 draw with Morocco in their Group C opener, Ancelotti made two changes which gave Brazil a sharper look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most significant was Matheus Cunha replacing Igor Thiago in attack, a move that brought balance, movement and a more natural connection between midfield and the front line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It also offered the first meaningful glimpse of Ancelotti’s diamond midfield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lucas Paqueta, heavily criticised after struggling in the first half against Morocco, looked far more comfortable as the left-sided midfielder, supporting Vinicius Jr and combining neatly with Cunha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paqueta was involved and alert, Cunha’s movement was tireless, and Vinicius found more support than he has had for a long time in the national team, and it was no surprise Brazil’s goals came from that side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drifting in from the left to link midfield and attack, Cunha had a natural chemistry with Vinicius and Paqueta that Brazil have lacked on that side since Neymar suffered serious injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The concern is on the opposite flank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Raphinha failed to make an impact for the second match in a row and was substituted because of a physical issue. He missed a training session earlier in the week because of blisters on his feet and looked short of sharpness from the start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether due to injury or positioning, Raphinha’s timing was off. Pinned wide on the right wing, he misplaced passes and failed to control simple balls. It is a different role from the one he occupies in club football, where he operates more like Cunha did against Haiti.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are also questions over whether 34-year-old Casemiro can cope with stronger opponents. Bruno Guimaraes, who operated fluently as right midfielder, could be dropped back to bolster defensive solidity and help build play from the back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rayan did not settle after replacing Raphinha, leaving Luiz Henrique as the likelier option should Raphinha miss the Scotland game and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was not a statement performance from Brazil, but it was progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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