Brazil and Morocco drew 1-1 on Saturday in the first heavyweight clash of the World Cup, with the African team confirming their potential while exposing their opponents’ familiar weaknesses in a sold-out stadium in New York/New Jersey.
Ismael Saibari gave Morocco a deserved first-half lead before Vinicius Jr produced a moment of brilliance to restore parity, ensuring points were shared in the Group C opener.
The result leaves the group finely balanced ahead of Haiti meeting Scotland later Saturday in the group’s other match.
For Morocco, a semi-finalist in the 2022 World Cup, this performance represents further proof that they can challenge the traditional powers of the game.
However, Carlo Ancelotti’s side were left with questions to answer after a disjointed performance where they were repeatedly tested by the pace and movement of their opponents.
“I don’t think we started the match well, the team was a bit nervous, we lost the ball too often and lost too many challenges. The first half was not good,” said Ancelotti, who noted that Brazil improved after the break.
“It got better in the second half; it’s a difficult match because Morocco are a good team. I think there was a bit of nervousness. In the first half they were coming out of our press and making dangerous counter-attacks.”
Morocco got off to a better start, patiently passing the ball down the flanks and posing an early threat through Achraf Hakimi and Bilal El Khannouss as Brazil looked to strike on the counterattack.
Morocco repeatedly passed through the Brazilian midfield with alarming ease, exposing the gaps between the lines as teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi demonstrated his talent.
Brazil’s first goal came in the 14th minute, but Igor Thiago failed to make the most of it, pushing his header away.
Fragilities
Seven minutes later, the five-time world champion’s defensive weaknesses were exposed.
Lucas Paqueta was dispossessed in midfield, allowing Diaz to pass through Saibari as central defenders Marquinhos and Gabriel were caught off guard.
Alisson compounded the error with an ill-timed charge off his line, and Saibari calmly lofted the ball over the goalkeeper to give Morocco the lead.
Brazil continued to struggle against Morocco’s intensity and organization, although the Africans failed to convert their superiority into additional goals.
Instead, it only took a moment of genius from Vinicius to bring Brazil level in the 32nd minute.
Collecting a pass from Bruno Guimaraes on the left edge of the area, he cut inside with his right foot and fired an unstoppable shot into the far corner.
Brazil almost completed the comeback just before halftime, but goalkeeper Yassine Bounou reacted sharply to push away Paqueta’s acrobatic scissor kick.
Midfielder Fabinho and defender Danilo replaced Casemiro and Roger Ibanez, who had a dismal first half, giving Brazil a bit more control of the match in the second half.
Brazil shifted into high gear, showing more composure and forcing Morocco to defend more, although they struggled to create clear-cut chances until the 78th minute, when Raphinha collected a cross from Vinicius.
The advantage has widened as both sides have mostly avoided risks. Brazil found new energy in the final minutes, closing in through Matheus Cunha, but still lacked their vintage audacity.
Both teams will be keen to finish top of the group and secure a better path into the round of 16.
