Brazil got their first win of the World Cup against Haiti but suffered a potentially significant injury blow with Raphinha forced off.
The Selecao eased to a 3-0 victory in the early hours of Saturday morning with Manchester United star Matheus Cunha, deployed up front, scoring a first-half brace.
Vinicius Jr scored his second of the competition just before half-time, coolly slotting past the Haiti goalkeeper to leave his side in total control.
The only blemish on an otherwise perfect evening for Carlo Ancelotti’s side was the sight of Raphinha limping off before the half-time whistle.
The Barcelona star had started brightly during the game in Philadelphia and had an early goal ruled out for offside. But there was concern when he pulled up with what appeared to be a hamstring issue in his right leg. Brazil’s medical staff attended to him before he left the pitch visibly frustrated.
Raphinha has been plagued by hamstring injuries this season, sidelined for a total of 105 days for Barcelona last season.
Vinicius Jr fears the issue may be similar to those that have recently troubled him, telling media after the game: ‘It’s a shame Rapha got injured. I think it was the same injury as last time.
‘We’re very sad about that. I hope it’s nothing serious and that he can continue with us.’
Should Raphinha’s injury be enough to curtail his involvement in the World Cup, Brazil will be unable to call upon a replacement with a deadline passing before their first game last week.
‘He’s a little down, we hope it’s nothing serious because he’s a very important player, and we count on him a lot,’ his teammate Paqueta added.
Brazil said ‘the player has begun treatment and will be re-evaluated’ in an official statement released after the game. They take on Scotland in their final group game on Wednesday.
With Raphinha likely to be a major doubt for that game, Ancelotti hopes to finally have Neymar available. The Brazil legend has not featured yet due to a calf injury, training away from his teammates and remained at the national team’s training base in New Jersey while the team travelled to Philadelphia for the Haiti game.
‘Neymar will train individually tomorrow (Saturday) and then, on Monday, he will be with the team and will be ready for the game against Scotland,’ Ancelotti said.
Brazil suffer World Cup injury blow as teammate gives worrying update
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