- Recent form: Brazil have won three, drawn one and lost one of their five matches in all competitions.
- Style of play: Brazil play with width, high-class wingers, while Haiti will look to frustrate and counterattack.
- Form note: Brazil has failed to win two of their last five games.
Brazil take on Haiti in key Group C clash
Brazil and Haiti face off at the Philadelphia Stadium on Saturday in what could be a pivotal FIFA World Cup, Group C matchup. Brazil sit 3rd with a single point from a single game while Haiti occupy 4th after their opening round 0-1 loss to Scotland, meaning victory will be crucial for either nation's aspirations of qualifying for the knockout stages.
Brazil drew 1-1 with Morocco in their opening match, highlighting both the attacking threat they possess but also a susceptibility in defense that could be exploited. Carlo Ancelotti has made subtle tactical tweaks since taking over that have seemingly given the Selecao a greater control of games and a measured tempo with which they can transition into the attacking zone with real purpose.
Ancelotti's Brazil should be better
Betting angle
A team win is expected in this game, but the odds of 1.12 are extremely short considering Haiti are in the competition and the fact they are playing in the World Cup is a huge deal for the squad. Ancelotti's men should win, however, and it should be with a comfortable margin.
Recent match context
Brazil won 2-1 against Egypt in a friendly and the manner of that victory was impressive, with Brazil gradually breaking down their stubborn opposition after the interval. Haiti are a different beast and will look to make this as difficult as possible for Brazil, but the way the game flows is likely to suit Ancelotti's side more.
Expect goals at both ends
Systems and attacking threats
Brazil play in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system, so they will play through the wings, and with Vinicius Junior on the field, they always have pace out wide to punish opponents when they get in behind.
Haiti's setup and form
Haiti will pack the midfield with a 4-2-3-1 or 4-5-1, and they will try and keep it tight. However, Haiti's form has been mixed, with three defeats, one draw and just one victory in their last five matches. Sebastien Migne has his side well-organised, but small lapses in concentration in their recent games have cost them. Haiti's biggest result during this cycle was a 4-0 rout of New Zealand.
Brazil can win and both teams can score
We think Brazil will get on top of Haiti as the game wears on, much as they did against Egypt in a similar matchup. However, with Haiti's return to the tournament the motivation is extra special for the players and we think they can nick a goal.
The odds on over 2.5 goals are 1.31, so the value has to be with BTTS.
- Brazil have won three of their last five matches.
- Bruno Guimaraes looks like a real star for the five-time winners, notching 1 assist in the group stage and playing a key role in the midfield.
- Vinicius Junior is Brazil's top scorer in the World Cup so far with one goal in one appearance and its pace is a constant threat out wide.
- Wilson Isidor is Haiti's main attacking outlet and has scored two of the country's last six goals, so we're going for Brazil to win and both teams to score.
