Brazil held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco in World Cup opener as Vinicius cancels out Saibari's early strike
Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil failed to impress in their Group C opener at the New York/New Jersey Stadium, needing a 32nd-minute Vinicius Junior equaliser to cancel out Ismael Saibari's early goal and settle for a 1-1 draw.
Early Moroccan pressure
Marokko, the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists and reigning African champions, began the match with intent and had Brazil pinned back from the first whistle. A lethal counter-attack in the 21st minute saw Brahim Diaz split the defence with a through ball, and Ismael Saibari chipped the onrushing Alisson to give the Atlas Lions a deserved lead.
Vinicius answers back
Brazil's reply came 11 minutes later through their biggest star. Vinicius Junior cut in from the left, beat two defenders, and drilled a fierce angled shot past Yassine Bounou. The Real Madrid winger's moment of individual brilliance was one of the few bright spots for a Brazil side that created little else. He later admitted he had not shown his best.
I believe I can play much better. I scored a goal but haven't shown my full technical ability yet. I can improve that and help Brazil more in attack.
Second-half stalemate
After the break the tempo dropped sharply. Brazil controlled possession but rarely threatened, while Morocco grew bolder in the closing stages yet could not find a winner. A late bicycle-kick from Lucas Paqueta forced a smart save from Bounou before the interval, but genuine chances were scarce thereafter.
- Ismael Saibari puts Morocco ahead with a chipped finish.
- Vinicius Junior equalises for Brazil with a powerful angled strike.
Mixed reactions in the Brazil camp
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged the uneven display, saying his team began with too much nervousness and lacked fluidity. He praised Vinicius but labelled the opening 45 minutes "poor". Brazilian pundits were far more critical, calling the team overrated and chaotic at times.
It's a draw in the World Cup opener against Morocco. Only someone who knows little about football could think like you.
Morocco's coach Mohamed Ouahbi was satisfied with the point, insisting his side will improve as the tournament progresses.
Group C picture
In the other Group C fixture, Scotland edged Haiti 1-0 in Foxborough thanks to a John McGinn strike that took a deflection. The result leaves all four teams with everything to play for when Brazil next face Haiti and Morocco take on Scotland.
