Brazil held to 1-1 draw by Morocco in World Cup opener as media slams performance
Brazil's World Cup campaign got off to a rocky start with a 1-1 draw against Morocco at MetLife Stadium, drawing comparisons to the 7-1 humiliation of 2014.
Morocco dominate early exchanges
Morocco started strongly, with Mazraoui causing problems down the left. Saibari opened the scoring in the 21st minute, chipping Alisson after a through ball from Brahim Diaz. Brazil struggled to contain the African champions, who continued to threaten throughout the first half hour.
Vinícius Júnior's moment of magic
Brazil found an equaliser against the run of play in the 32nd minute. Vinícius Júnior dribbled past defenders from the left and unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner, clocked at 101 km/h. The goal injected some life into Brazil's performance, but the half ended with Morocco still dangerous.
Second half fizzles out
After the break the intensity dropped sharply. Both sides managed only sporadic efforts; Igor Thiago forced a save from Bounou early on, and Raphinha tested the goalkeeper late. Morocco substitute El Aynaoui had a shot saved by Alisson in added time. The match petered out into a mutually accepted draw.
Brazilian media erupts
The performance triggered an avalanche of criticism in Brazil. Newspaper O'Globo described the first half as the worst 45 minutes since the 7-1 defeat to Germany in 2014, singling out Ibañez, Igor Thiago and Casemiro as "catastrophic." Analyst Gary De Jesus told RMC that "the honeymoon is over" for coach Carlo Ancelotti, whose full-back selections came under particular fire. Website Itatiaia warned Brazil are "on the brink of disaster."
I can tell you the honeymoon is over. Before this match there was a ray of hope, public opinion was on his side. He failed his big test. His choices are being criticised, especially the full-backs. The first 30 minutes were very painful. I heard they were worthy of Paraguay, that Morocco were Brazil. In midfield, it was like the Titanic.
What comes next
The draw halts Brazil's run of 21 consecutive opening-match victories at World Cups, though the team's unbeaten streak in tournament openers since 1934 survives. Brazil next face Haiti in Philadelphia on 20 June, while Morocco meet Scotland the same day. Both sides will need improved performances to secure progression from Group 3.
