Brazil got the 3-0 win over Haiti they needed, and for about 45 minutes it looked like Matheus Cunha had solved their striker problem. Then Raphinha grabbed his hamstring, and suddenly everything got complicated again.
Let’s back up. Cunha, who mostly plays out wide for Manchester United, got the start at center forward in Philadelphia. And honestly, he did what you’d want a fill-in number nine to do. He dropped deep to create the first goal, got a bit lucky when the ball bounced off a Haiti defender and in, then absolutely smoked a second with his weaker foot. Two goals in a World Cup game, against anyone, is a good day at the office.
But here’s the thing. Haiti is one of the lowest-ranked teams in this tournament. Cunha’s goals were just his second and third in a Brazil shirt, despite getting chances as a striker before. He made smart runs and finished well, but we still don’t really know if he can do it against a top defense that doesn’t leave that much space.
And we might not find out as a striker anyway. Raphinha limped off before halftime with what looked like a hamstring issue. Carlo Ancelotti called it “tightness” after the game, but if the Barcelona winger misses any significant time, Cunha probably slides back to the right wing to replace him. That would mean Gabriel Martinelli or young Rayan gets a look out wide, and more importantly, it opens the door for the guy the fans really want to see up top.
Endrick’s big chance
The loudest cheer of the day in Philadelphia came when 19-year-old Endrick came on for Cunha. Every time the stadium announcer said his name, the place got louder. That’s the kind of energy that follows a player fans believe in, even if the manager hasn’t been convinced yet.
Endrick spent last season on loan at Lyon and scored five goals in 16 Ligue 1 games. That’s not eye-popping. Ancelotti left him out of four friendlies late last year before giving him minutes off the bench in warm-up games against Croatia, Panama, and Egypt. He didn’t even get on the field against Morocco in the group opener.
Ancelotti has called Endrick an “extraordinary talent” and said he’ll be “important in this World Cup.” But actions speak louder than quotes. The kid has 14 total minutes in one game, then 45 in each of two others. That’s not exactly a ringing endorsement for a player many think should be starting.
Still, when Endrick checked in against Haiti, he showed a flash. A smart run, a well-hit finish, and an offside flag that took it away. It wasn’t a goal, but it was a reminder that he can make things happen in the box.
If Raphinha is out for any stretch, Ancelotti has a real decision to make. Does he keep Cunha as the striker and trust Martinelli or Rayan on the wing? Or does he slide Cunha wide and give Endrick the run he’s been waiting for?
Ancelotti didn’t exactly tip his hand after the win. He didn’t claim to have found a long-term answer at striker, which felt like a deliberate choice. The way he talked about Raphinha’s hamstring, it was clear he’s thinking about options rather than celebrating a solution.
Brazil plays Scotland next in group play, then faces a last-32 game against someone like Japan. Those are the tests where we’ll find out if Endrick is ready, or if Ancelotti thinks he needs more time. But with Raphinha’s status uncertain, the 19-year-old’s moment might be arriving a lot faster than anyone planned.
Leave a Comment