After waiting four years for his big opportunity to shine on the world stage, forward Matheus Cunha took full advantage – netting two goals to hand the Seleção their first victory of the .
Having featured as a substitute in the opening game , Cunha was one of the star performers in the . He pounced twice after replacing Igor Thiago in Carlo Ancelotti's starting line-up.
"It's one of the best days of my life,” Cunha told FIFA. “Everyone dreams of representing Brazil at a World Cup. And to think that I scored two goals, I helped the team... I'm in ecstasy, I must be dreaming."
Ancelotti’s decision to start Cunha instead of Thiago appeared to have a positive impact on the positioning of Brazil's attacking players against Haiti, particularly in the first half as the Seleção swarmed forward and scored all three of their goals.
"I believe it worked very well,” the Manchester United man said of his inclusion. “There are many ways we can mix things up, getting combinations going in forward areas.
"We all have that intelligence to know where to position ourselves. I believe we played well together, and that's important in this moment. Everything worked well today.”
The 27-year-old is experiencing his first taste of a World Cup having suffered disappointment ahead of the tournament four years ago. He had expected to be called up for the after featuring in the Seleção's qualifying campaign, but then-Brazil head-coach Tite left him out of his final squad.
"After everything I've been through, I've grown a little wiser and matured. I just try to live in the moment,” Cunha said. “[Achieving] my dream of playing at a World Cup fills me with so much pride.
"I did everything I could to be at the last World Cup, but it wasn't to be. But thanks to God, I've been blessed to be at this one now. I'm happy I can help, it's all I've ever dreamt of.”
After bursting into life against Haiti, Brazil’s No9 celebrated in his now-customary fashion by pretending to surf a wave. Cunha is friends with fellow Brazilian Italo Ferreira, winner of the 2019 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour title and the inaugural Olympic surfing gold medallist from the Tokyo Games in 2021.
"I'm from Joao Pessoa [in northeastern Brazil] and I first started surfing in Baia Formosa [Ferreira's hometown],” Cunha explained. “Surfing has become a big part of my life, a way to relax. I'm very good friends with Italo. Surfing has become a part of my routine. I'd say I spend just as much time following surfing as I do football.”
Against Haiti, Cunha proved again that he is as proficient on the pitch as Ferreira is in the ocean.
"I came out just wanting to be myself, to enjoy it, to play between the lines, [and] the goals were a result of that,” Cunha reflected. “For the first goal, I cut out a ball in midfield, which isn't a No9's job, but I like to be involved in other moments in the game.
“I felt proud and almost felt like crying, and it's exciting, even, to be part of the history of what Brazil represents at World Cups. Out there I'm at a big club, I'm recognised, but that's not my people, my Nordeste [North East of Brazil], my Brazil, my Baia Formosa..."
Cunha and Brazil travel to for their final Group C game on 24 June.
Sources: FIFA Official
