Image Credits: Imago Images
Alisson Becker delivered a composed, commanding performance and kept a clean sheet as Brazil defeated Haiti 3–0 at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday.
Following a difficult start to the tournament, the Brazilian press widely praised his display as a crucial step in rebuilding his international reputation.
The context matters.
Brazil had been held to a draw by Morocco in their Group C opener, and Alisson had come in for a share of the criticism after that result, with a feeling in some quarters that he could have done more to prevent Ismael Saibiri’s goal.
The pressure, therefore, was on both the team and their Liverpool goalkeeper to respond.
Respond they did.
Matheus Cunha netted twice inside the first 45 minutes, tapping home a rebound after Johnny Placide spilled a powerful Vinicius Junior strike in the 23rd minute before converting a clinical second just past the half hour.
Vinicius Junior then turned provider into scorer himself, sliding home a third in first-half stoppage time to effectively end the contest.
Brazil managed the second half comfortably, leaving Alisson to deal with the few moments of genuine threat Haiti posed.
Those moments were handled well.
ESPN Brazil were the most effusive in their praise, describing Alisson’s evening as an exceptional performance, with particular attention paid to a sharp reflex save from a corner-kick header that kept the clean sheet intact.
“It’s always good when the national team goalkeeper goes through the game without being criticized.”
“Besides a dribble during an attack, he made a great save after a corner kick that prevented Haiti from scoring.”
ESPN handed him a 6.5 rating, though for many observers that felt slightly conservative given the quality of some of his interventions.
Globo, the other major Brazilian outlet, matched that 6.5 score and described him as secure when needed, specifically calling out the reflex save from the header after a corner and his composure in the closing stages when he came out to prevent a goal in a one-on-one scenario.
“Secure when needed.”
“Good reflex save on a header after a corner kick and closed down the angle well when he had a striker one-on-one with the goalkeeper late in the game.”
Terra offered perhaps the most rounded verdict.
Their report noted that Alisson, like several of his teammates, has at times faced unfair criticism when representing the national team.
In Philadelphia, however, they placed him firmly among the positive performers of the evening, detailing all three of his saves and emphasising his reliability throughout, including a sharp stop from Ricardo Ade’s header and late interventions against Wilson Isidor and Dominique Simon to ensure the clean sheet was preserved.
“Like the other two standouts, Alisson is also among those who often receive criticism for their performances with the Brazilian National Team.”
“In this World Cup, however, he has been a positive source of news.”
“Against Haiti, the Liverpool goalkeeper made three saves.”
“In the first of these, with the score already 3-0 for Brazil, he showed great reflexes after a header from Ricardo Adé.”
“In the final stretch of the match, Alisson made saves from shots by Wilson Isidor and Dominique Simon to secure the Brazilian victory without conceding a goal.”
Alisson finished the match having made three saves, two of which came from efforts inside the penalty box, against a combined shots on target xG of 0.43.
He also completed 28 of 32 passes attempted, underlining how comfortably he controlled his area throughout.
Brazil now top Group C on goal difference.
Next up is Scotland on Wednesday, which means a reunion with former Liverpool teammate Andy Robertson.