Matheus Cunha started alongside Casemiro as Brazil beat Haiti 3-0 in Philadelphia, with Ederson also making an appearance off the bench.
Despite some Haitian resistance, Brazil ended up cruising to a victory on Friday night with Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha starring.
Cunha scored twice for Brazil on his first start up front, while Casemiro looked a lot better in midfield. Later in the game, we even got a glimpse of Ederson.
Here is how the media in Brazil reacted to the performance from each.
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Brazilian press hail Matheus Cunha
Cunha’s performance was one fitting for a Brazilian number nine, and it left the supporters thrilled, and also Brazilian media.
To start with, Veja simply said that Cunha did what was expected, score goals.
“Matheus Cunha did what was asked of him: goals, something Igor Thiago didn’t even come close to against Morocco.
GE Globo raved about Cunha after his performance, with an 8.5/10 match rating for more than just his goals.
“A number 9 who scores goals – and much more. It’s impressive how well he understands space and alternates between dropping into the middle – to provide support, exchange passes and dribble the ball – and being an option inside the box. He scored one goal like an opportunistic center forward, another attacking the depth with a beautiful left-footed finish.”
ESPN Brazil gave Cunha a 7.5/10, hailing him as the star of the night.
“The star of the night. His two goals did justice to a striker who gives his all for the team, but who is sometimes unfairly judged for not being the traditional number 9 that people expect.”
Cunha has surely nailed down the starting role against Scotland now, showing his talent on the world stage, which will thrill Michael Carrick
What is your verdict on Matheus Cunha’s debut season for Man United?
Casemiro and Ederson rated by Brazilian press
Meanwhile, Brazilian outlets also reacted to the less impressive performances of Casemiro and Ederson.
GE Globo handed Casemiro a 6/10, rating his decent display.
“He played closer to the central defensive pairing, in a midfield set up as a three-man defense with Bruno and Paquetá more present in the attacking third. He fulfilled his role defensively and attempted few vertical passes. A fair performance.”
While they gave Ederson a 5.5/10.
“Even in a short amount of time, he had two good opportunities down the right flank. In the first, he chose not to shoot and instead crossed into the box, and in the second, he missed the shot from close range with no angle.”
The biggest praise ESPN Brazil could give Casemiro was that he went unnoticed, with a 6/10 match rating.
“Despite being heavily criticized in his debut, he went almost unnoticed today, delivering a comfortable performance for a Haiti team with few offensive threats.”
While ESPN highlighted that Ederson had energised Brazil from the bench.
“He came on in the final stretch to help energize the Brazilian team, but had little involvement.”
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