Cunha gives Brazil balance as Ancelotti's diamond begins to shine

PHILADELPHIA, June 19 : Carlo Ancelotti did not solve all of Brazil's problems in one half against Haiti, but he at least offered supporters a clearer idea of where this side might be heading after the frustration of their World Cup opener.

Brazil's 3-0 win came against a limited Haiti side who often pushed forward with little regard for the space they left behind, making life easier for a team searching for fluency, rhythm and short-passing combinations in the final third.

However, after the 1-1 draw with Morocco in their Group C opener, Ancelotti made two changes which gave Brazil a sharper look.

The most significant was Matheus Cunha replacing Igor Thiago in attack, a move that brought balance, movement and a more natural connection between midfield and the front line.

It also offered the first meaningful glimpse of Ancelotti's diamond midfield.

Lucas Paqueta, heavily criticised after struggling in the first half against Morocco, looked far more comfortable as the left-sided midfielder, supporting Vinicius Jr and combining neatly with Cunha.

Paqueta was involved and alert, Cunha's movement was tireless, and Vinicius found more support than he has had for a long time in the national team, and it was no surprise Brazil's goals came from that side.

Drifting in from the left to link midfield and attack, Cunha had a natural chemistry with Vinicius and Paqueta that Brazil have lacked on that side since Neymar suffered serious injury.

The concern is on the opposite flank.

Raphinha failed to make an impact for the second match in a row and was substituted because of a physical issue. He missed a training session earlier in the week because of blisters on his feet and looked short of sharpness from the start.

Whether due to injury or