PHILADELPHIA, United States (AFP) — Brazil eased the immediate pressure but remain some way from the finished article at the World Cup after closing in on a place in the last 32 with an improved performance against Haiti.

The five-time world champions beat the Caribbean side 3-0 on Friday in Philadelphia to move top of Group C, condemning Haiti — playing at their first World Cup in 52 years — to an early exit.

While the win came against modest opposition, it offered welcome relief for Carlo Ancelotti, who had come under rare scrutiny in Brazil following a drab 1-1 draw with Morocco in the opener.