FT: Brazil 1:1 Morocco
Vinicius Junior scored a superb first-half equaliser as Brazil avoided defeat in their opening FIFA World Cup match with a 1-1 draw against Morocco in Group C at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
Morocco took the lead in the 21st minute through Ismael Saibari after a defensive lapse involving Alisson Becker, Gabriel and Marquinhos. Saibari latched onto a pass from Brahim Diaz before lifting the ball over the advancing Brazil goalkeeper from outside the area.
The goal gave Morocco a deserved advantage after a bright start in which they pressed Brazil aggressively and created several early opportunities. By the half-hour mark, the African champions had already registered 12 shots, underlining their control of the opening stages.
Brazil, however, responded in the 32nd minute through Vinicius Junior, who marked his 50th appearance for the national team with a moment of individual quality. The Real Madrid forward received the ball from Bruno Guimaraes inside the area, cut inside and fired a powerful strike past Yassine Bounou.
Lucas Paqueta almost completed Brazil’s turnaround in first-half stoppage time, but his acrobatic effort was saved by Bounou.
Brazil improved after the break, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side enjoying more possession and control, but clear chances remained limited. Raphinha came closest to scoring a second goal when he narrowly failed to connect with Guimaraes’ low cross across the face of goal.
Morocco also threatened late on and nearly won the match in added time, but Alisson produced a double save to deny Neil El Aynaoui and Ayoube Amaimouni.
The result means Brazil preserved their unbeaten record in opening World Cup matches, a run that stretches back to 1934. Morocco, meanwhile, remain without a win in their opening match at a World Cup despite another impressive performance against elite opposition.
For Brazil, the draw will raise questions about their defensive organisation and slow start, but Vinicius Junior’s influence again showed why he is expected to be central to their pursuit of a sixth world title.
Morocco will next face Scotland at Boston Stadium on 19 June, while Brazil take on Haiti at Philadelphia Stadium on 20 June.
