Matheus Cunha repaid Carlo Ancelotti’s faith as he led Brazil’s attack from the start in a convincing victory over Haiti at the World Cup.
It’s a huge honour for any attacker to play as Brazil’s central striker at a World Cup.
Many of the modern players grew up idolising Ronaldo after watching him win the 2002 World Cup with Brazil, scoring eight goals. The Brazil icon recently suggested that Endrick was already at the same level as Matheus Cunha and Igor Thiago, though the youngster is third in Carlo Ancelotti’s pecking order this summer.
Cunha started against Haiti after being overlooked for Thiago in the opening draw against Morocco. The Manchester United forward made a huge impact in the first half to help Brazil push towards the latter stages of the 2026 World Cup.
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Matheus Cunha sets unique World Cup record
Cunha’s selection was itself a storyline.
United fans were disappointed to see Cunha limited to a substitute cameo in Brazil’s first game at the tournament.
They would have been impressed on Saturday morning as he shone on the same side as Casemiro, with Brazil beating Haiti 3-0.
Cunha slotted into an attacking trident alongside Vinicius Junior and Raphinha.
In the first half, Cunha scored two goals in the space of 13 minutes, putting him in the United history books. He unleashed the surfing celebration after both goals.
Moreover, Cunha is the first United player to complete a brace for Brazil at a World Cup.
It’s a rare record for Cunha that may take some time to match – or beat.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Matheus Cunha scored two goals in Brazil’s 3-0 win over Haiti
- Cunha is the first Manchester United player to complete a brace for Brazil at a World Cup
- The two goals were scored in the space of 13 minutes
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Has Casemiro ever scored at a World Cup?
The answer, in short, is yes, Casemiro has scored at a World Cup tournament.
It was a decisive goal as Casemiro netted the winner against Switzerland in a group stage match at the 2022 World Cup.
Casemiro had no problems finding the back of the net for United last season, but he hasn’t scored a goal at this tournament.
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