Five-time champions Brazil cannot afford another setback when they face Haiti tomorrow early morning at 3:30 am in Philadelphia, with their World Cup hopes already under unexpected pressure after a disappointing opening draw.
The Seleção were held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco in their first match, struggling to impose themselves in a game where they were outshot for the first time in 23 World Cup matches.
It was a performance far below the standards expected from one of the tournament favourites, and that result now means that Brazil must win here to avoid unwanted history.
They have not failed to win either of their opening two World Cup matches since 1978, and another dropped result would put their record of topping every group since 1982 under serious threat.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side also arrive searching for consistency, having won only two of their last six competitive matches. Their quality remains unquestioned, but the pressure is growing for a more dominant display.
For Haiti, however, the opening match against Scotland offered plenty of encouragement despite the 1-0 defeat.
The Grenadiers recorded 15 shots, which was more than any other Group C side on matchday one, and showed they are capable of competing at this level.
The result extended Haiti’s losing run in World Cup history to four matches, leaving them in danger of becoming only the fourth nation ever to lose their first five games at the finals.
Yet their recent performances suggest Brazil should not expect an easy evening. Haiti’s last three defeats have all come by a single goal, demonstrating their ability to stay competitive against stronger opposition.
Brazil have dominated previous meetings, winning all three encounters, including a 7-1 victory at the 2016 Copa America.
They also boast an impressive World Cup record against CONCACAF nations, winning eight of nine matches.
Casemiro will be hoping to repeat his matchday-two heroics from 2022, when he scored the winner against Switzerland, while Haiti’s Frantzdy Pierrot remains their main attacking threat, with his last ten international goals either putting Haiti ahead or sealing victories.
Brazil could be without Neymar until the knockout stages, while Haiti have lost Leverton Pierre for the remainder of the tournament.
The talent gap is enormous, but Haiti’s resilience means Brazil will have to dig deep to earn what could be a crucial three points.
