Brazil vs Haiti Predictions
Vini Jnr could prove the difference maker in a potentially tricky tie against Haiti at Lincoln Financial Field.
I expect Brazil to eventually ease to victory, with the Real Madrid man likely to score anytime.
Real Madrid Star Set to Shine
- Vini Jnr has scored 7 goals in his last 9 appearances
- Vini Jnr has scored 5 goals in his last 13 appearances (Brazil)
Brazil Boast 100% Record in Haiti H2H
Brazil and Haiti have met on three previous occasions. Brazil won all three encounters, scoring 17 goals and conceding just once.
Brazil Stumble Against Morocco
Brazil head to Lincoln Financial Field after a 1-1 draw against Morocco in their Group C opener last Saturday. Vini Jnr's tenth international goal rescued a point for the Selecao.
Carlo Ancelotti's side endured a difficult first half and were fortunate to reach the interval all-square. Morocco had 12 first-half efforts and an xG of 1.20.
Brazil improved after the break, restricting the African champions to just two shots and an xG of 0.16 in the second half.
The performance drew criticism from Brazil's demanding media, with the underwhelming Selecao finishing the match with an xG of 1.20 from only 12 attempts on goal.
The five-time world champions had won 17 of their previous 22 World Cup opening fixtures.
Inconsistency remains a concern, with Brazil losing three and failing to win five of their last ten internationals.
Haiti Unlucky in Scotland Defeat
Haiti face their second Group C contest after a frustrating 1-0 defeat against Scotland last weekend. John McGinn's first-half goal proved the difference in an evenly balanced contest in Boston.
The Haitians could consider themselves unfortunate not to nick a point at Gillette Stadium. Sebastien Migne's men controlled the second period, outshooting the Scots by seven to two.
While luck was not on their side, Haiti struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, with their second-half xG only reaching 0.5. Both teams finished with 1.05 expected goals.
Sebastien Migne's men have won just four of their last 14 internationals, while they lost three of their five most recent fixtures.
The CONCACAF qualifiers have little experience at this level. Haiti last competed on the world stage in 1974, where they lost all three matches against Poland, Italy and Argentina.
Squads and Team News
Brazil Squad
Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker, Weverton, Ederson
Defenders: Gabriel Magalhães, Marquinhos, Alex Sandro, Danilo, Bremer, Leo Pereira, Douglas Santos, Roger Ibanez
Midfielders: Ederson, Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Fabinho, Danilo Santos, Lucas Paquetá
Forwards: Vinícius Júnior, Matheus Cunha, Neymar, Raphinha, Endrick, Luiz Henrique, Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Thiago, Rayan
Head coach Ancelotti could make some changes to the first XI that began last weekend's frustrating draw against Morocco.
Casemiro and Roger Ibanez could drop out after both were withdrawn at the interval in New York. Danilo and Fabinho are tipped to earn recalls to the first XI.
Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha is also pushing for a starting berth.
Speaking after the draw with Morocco, Ancelotti reveealed Brazilian jitters were to blame for their lackluster display.
“I think the team was a bit anxious in the beginning. Nerves were all over the place.
“(We) didn’t keep a lot of ball possession. In the second half, it was a lot better, but it was still tough. I’m sure the team will play better next match,” he continued.
Haiti Squad
Goalkeepers: Johny Placide, Alexandre Pierre, Josue Duverger
Defenders: Carlens Arcus, Keeto Thermoncy, Ricardo Adé, Hannes Delcroix, Martin Experience, Duke Lacroix, Jean-Kevin Duverne, Wilguens Paugain
Midfielders: Carl Sainte, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Leverton Pierre, Danley Jean Jacques, Dominique Simon, Woodensky Pierre
Forwards: Derrick Etienne Jr., Duckens Nazon, Louicius Deedson, Ruben Providence, Lenny Joseph, Wilson Isidor, Yassin Fortune, Frantzdy Pierrot, Josue Casimir
Sebastien Migne has no reported injury issues but may opt for a more defensive approach after setting up with a 4-4-2 system against Scotland.
Frantzdy Pierrot could drop out of the first XI with Josue Casimir in contention to come into the side.