Brazil
Brazil continue the quest for a record extending 6th World Cup Triumph on Friday when the take on Haiti in Group C. The Selecao had a disappointing start to the competition last week when the were held to a 1-1 draw by 2022 semi-finalists Morocco.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men really struggled to get to grips with Morocco in the early stages of the game in New Jersey and were fortunate not to find themselves more than a goal down before they got the equaliser through a Vinicius Jr penalty.
They may not be considered as one of the favourites to win the World Cup but the expectation of wearing that yellow jersey weighs heavy on these Brazilian players and it did show against Morocco.
The South Americans should be very confident of picking up three points against Haiti, they have faced them on three previous occasions and won each time (4-0) in 1974, (6-0) in 2004 and (7-1) in the 2016 Copa America.
Injuries & Team News
Carlo Ancelotti surprised us all last week vs Morocco with his team selection with Roger Ibanez & Douglas Santos the starting full-backs with Ibanez replaced at half time it looks very likely that Danilo will get the nod at right-back. It may be better news for Santos who is expected to start again ahead of Alex Sandro.
Casemiro also struggled against a fit, mobile Moroccan midfield and he was also hooked at half-time, although it would be a suprise to see him not named again in the starting team. Another player who struggled was Brentford’s Igor Thiago, he might find his place taken by Matheus Cunha.
Neymar is still not fit and is certain to miss out here.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 1-1 vs Morocco | D L WW W D |
Predicted Line-Up
Brazil (4-2-3-1):
Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Douglas Santos; Casemiro, Guimaraes; Paqueta, Raphinha, Vinicius; Cunha
Haiti
Haiti can be proud of their efforts in last weeks 1-0 loss to Scotland in Boston, not many people expected them to challenge the Scots like they did and they will be hoping to do the same to Brazil. However they could be forgiven for having a little trepidation about facing Brazil having lost all three previous meeting and shipping 17 goals.
They will know that defeat in Philadelphia will see them become the first team officially eliminated from the 2026 World Cup. If they can claim a point in the final two games they will create history having failed to pick up any points in their other world cup appearance in 1974.
Sebastien Migne’s side will be huge underdogs here but they are not facing a Brazil side of previous years, the Selecao have looked vulnerable in the last couple of years and this might be the time to pick up a shock result.
Injuries & Team News
Haiti went into the opening game with a fully-fit squad after the late withdrawal of Leverton Pierre, who was key in qualification but wasn’t expected to start in the FIFA World Cup.
Louicius Deedson got the nod ahead of Auxerre attacker Josue Casimir but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him come in on the right, while Duckens Nazon will be pushing for a start ahead of the aforementioned Pierrot.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 0-1 vs Scotland | W L D W L L |
Predicted Line-Up
Haiti (4-4-2)
Placide; Arcus, Ade, Delcroix, Experience; Casimir, Bellegarde, Jean Jacques, Providence; Nazon, Isidor
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil Win | 1/9 (1.11) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 12/1 (13.00) | Dream Vegas |
| Haiti Win | 28/1 (29.00) | 247Bet |
Prediction
Brazil 4-1 Haiti
Brazil were not at their best in the opening 1-1 draw with Morocco whilst Haiti took plenty of positives despite defeat to scotland but we feel Brazil will enjoy the open spaces Haiti will allow them and will win this comfortably.