Brazil and Morocco gamers in motion at New York/New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, US, on June 13, 2026. — Reuters
Brazil and Morocco performed out a 1-1 draw within the first heavyweight conflict of the World Cup on Saturday, with the African aspect confirming their potential whereas exposing acquainted weaknesses of their opponents at a bought out New York/New Jersey stadium.
Ismael Saibari gave Morocco a deserved first-half lead earlier than Vinicius Jr produced a second of brilliance to revive parity, guaranteeing the factors had been shared within the opening Group C match.
The end result leaves the group finely balanced forward of Haiti’s assembly with Scotland afterward Saturday within the different group fixture.
For Morocco, semi-finalists on the 2022 World Cup, the efficiency provided additional proof they’ll problem the sport’s conventional powers.
Nonetheless, Carlo Ancelotti’s aspect had been left with inquiries to reply after a disjointed show the place they had been repeatedly stretched by their opponents’ tempo and motion.
“I don’t think we started the match well, the team was a bit nervous, we lost possession too often and lost too many challenges. The first half wasn’t good,” stated Ancelotti, who famous Brazil improved after the break.
“It improved in the second half; it’s a tough match because Morocco are a good side. I think there was a bit of nervousness. In the first half they were breaking out of our press and making dangerous counter-attacks.”
Morocco made the brighter begin, patiently working the ball down the flanks and posing an early menace via Achraf Hakimi and Bilal El Khannouss whereas Brazil seemed to strike on the counter.
Morocco repeatedly sliced via Brazil’s midfield with alarming ease, exposing gaps between the traces as teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi displayed his expertise.
Brazil’s first sniff at aim got here within the 14th minute, however Igor Thiago didn’t benefit from it, fluffing his header.
Frailties
Seven minutes later, the five-time world champion’s defensive frailties had been laid naked.
Lucas Paqueta was dispossessed in midfield, permitting Diaz to slide Saibari via as centre backs Marquinhos and Gabriel had been caught flat-footed.
Alisson compounded the error with an ill-timed cost off his line, and Saibari calmly lofted the ball over the goalkeeper to present Morocco the lead.
Brazil continued to battle towards Morocco’s depth and organisation, though the Africans had been unable to show their superiority into additional targets.
As a substitute, it took solely a second of brilliance from Vinicius to haul Brazil stage within the thirty second minute.
Accumulating a cross from Bruno Guimaraes on the left fringe of the field, he minimize inside onto his proper foot and rifled an unstoppable shot into the far high nook.
Brazil practically accomplished the turnaround on the stroke of halftime, however goalkeeper Yassine Bounou reacted sharply to maintain out Paqueta’s acrobatic scissor kick.
Midfielder Fabinho and defender Danilo got here on for Casemiro and Roger Ibanez, who had a woeful first half, giving Brazil some extra management within the sport within the second half.
Brazil upped a gear, exhibiting extra poise and forcing Morocco to defend extra though they struggled to create clear-cut probabilities till the 78th minute when Raphinha collected a cross from Vinicius.
The sting went off as each side largely prevented dangers. Brazil did discover some new vitality within the last minutes, coming shut via Matheus Cunha, however they nonetheless lacked their classic swagger.
Each groups will fancy their probabilities of ending high of the group and getting a doubtlessly higher path within the knockout phases.
