Vinícius Júnior's moment of magic rescues Brazil in 1-1 World Cup draw with Morocco as pressure mounts on Ancelotti

Morocco strike first

Brazil's World Cup campaign began with an early shock in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Morocco, the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champion, were sharper and more structured from the opening whistle. In the 21st minute, Brahim Díaz sliced a precise 50-metre pass between the centre-backs Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhães. Ismael Saibari sprinted onto the ball, spotted Alisson off his line, and lifted a delicate lob into the empty net. The estimated 60,000 Brazilian fans inside the sold-out MetLife Stadium (80,663 capacity) fell silent.

Morocco had already tested Brazil with several efforts before the goal, including a blocked shot from Neil El Aynaoui after a sweeping move started by Noussair Mazraoui. Brazil, by contrast, looked nervous and disjointed. Igor Thiago missed a free header from Vinícius Júnior's cross in the 14th minute, the Seleção's best chance until the equaliser.

Vinícius answers with a solo gem

The lead lasted eleven minutes. In the 32nd minute, Vinícius Júnior collected the ball on the left, drew three defenders, and danced inside past El Aynaoui. He shifted the ball onto his right foot and curled an unstoppable shot into the far corner beyond Yassine Bounou. It was a goal of individual brilliance, his first in his 50th appearance for Brazil, and it lifted the yellow-clad majority inside the stadium.

“It was a difficult match against a strong team.”

Brazil improved after half-time, controlling possession and pinning Morocco deep for stretches. Raphinha wasted two late chances, shooting straight at Bounou from a counter-attack and then being denied by the goalkeeper after a defensive miscommunication. Morocco held on comfortably and deserved their point.

Ancelotti under immediate scrutiny

The performance triggered sharp criticism in Brazil, where some columnists drew unflattering comparisons with the 7-1 semifinal collapse against Germany in 2014. Coach Carlo Ancelotti's decision to deploy Roger Ibañez at right-back was singled out. Ancelotti accepted the criticism but defended his selection, saying the lineup was chosen deliberately and that nerves had affected his players in the first half.

“You don't win a World Cup with the first game. The pressure is normal, but we will improve step by step.”

Brazil have not reached a World Cup final since their last title in 2002. Legends Ronaldo, Kaká and Roberto Carlos watched from the stands, and NFL icon Tom Brady appeared in a Brazil shirt, underscoring the weight of expectation on a generation of fans who have never seen their country lift the trophy.

Morocco prove 2022 was no fluke

Morocco showed that their run to the semi-finals in Qatar was not a one-off. Led by captain Achraf Hakimi and marshalled by a compact structure, they matched the world's seventh-ranked side in every department. Díaz's vision and Saibari's clinical finish exposed a Brazil defence that looked vulnerable when stretched. The Atlas Lions now head into their second group game with genuine belief that they can advance from a group that also includes Haiti.

What comes next

Brazil next face Haiti on Saturday, a match that should offer a clearer measure of the team's level. Ancelotti hinted that the starting eleven may change depending on the opponent. Brazil must find fluency quickly if they are to justify their status among the tournament favourites. Morocco, meanwhile, will approach the rest of the group stage with growing confidence.