Vinicius Jr Matches Brazil Legends Jairzinho and Rivaldo With Unique World Cup Feat

Brazil forward Vinicius Jr etched his name alongside two of the country's footballing icons after becoming only the third Brazilian player to score and assist in two different FIFA World Cup editions. The Real Madrid star achieved the feat during Brazil's commanding 3-0 win over Haiti in Philadelphia, a result that lifted Carlo Ancelotti's side to the top of Group C.

Vinicius Enters Elite Company

Vinicius continued his impressive start to the tournament by registering a goal and an assist against Haiti. The Brazilian had already opened his World Cup 2026 account in a 1-1 draw against Morocco and now has two goals and one assist in the competition.

According to Opta, Vinicius has become just the third Brazilian player to score and assist in two separate FIFA World Cup editions. He joins Jairzinho, who achieved the feat in 1970 and 1974, and Rivaldo, who did so in 1998 and 2002.

The 25-year-old had also found the net for Brazil at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, scoring against South Korea.

Brazil Respond in Style Against Haiti

After being held by Morocco in their opening fixture, Brazil arrived under pressure to produce a convincing performance. They dominated proceedings from the outset and nearly took an early lead when Raphinha finished off a clever through ball from Bruno Guimaraes, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.

The breakthrough eventually came midway through the first half. Vinicius' powerful strike was initially saved by goalkeeper Johny Placide, but Matheus Cunha reacted quickest to force the rebound over the line.

Cunha soon doubled Brazil's advantage, finishing emphatically after being played through by Vinicius. The forward smashed his effort into the roof of the net at the near post, leaving Placide with no chance.

Vinicius then capped an outstanding first-half display by adding Brazil's third goal. Exploiting Haiti's high defensive line, he raced clear and calmly slotted past the goalkeeper. The only setback for Brazil before the break was the injury-enforced departure of Raphinha.

Brazil Take Control of Group C

Haiti showed greater attacking intent after the interval and almost pulled a goal back when Ricardo Ade's glancing header from a corner forced Alisson Becker into a sharp save.

Brazil remained comfortable despite creating fewer chances in the second half. Endrick thought he had added a fourth goal, but his effort was disallowed for offside.

The victory leaves Brazil on four points from two matches, level with Morocco but ahead on goal difference. Ancelotti's men are now well placed to secure a place in the Round of 32 ahead of their final group-stage clash against Scotland. Haiti, meanwhile, were officially eliminated despite an improved second-half showing.

(With inputs from ANI)