Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco in the most high-profile game of the World Cup's opening weekend at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Ismael Saibari gave Morocco a deserved lead after dominating the first 21 minutes. Vinicius Junior equalised with a trademark driving run and clinical finish. But Brazil could not find a winner and Ancelotti's side were left to rue a missed opportunity in what should have been a manageable group opener. The draw is one of the results of the tournament so far — Morocco, 2022 semi-finalists, refusing to be overawed by the five-time world champions.
THE GOALS
Morocco were the better side in the opening period and fully deserved their lead. Alisson had already been called into a sharp kick save in the seventh minute when Morocco broke quickly through the lines. The goal came in the 21st minute — Azzedine Ounahi played a one-two with Hakim Ziyech on the edge of the Brazil box, the ball fell to PSV Eindhoven midfielder Ismael Saibari arriving late, and he clipped a composed finish past Alisson from just inside the area. MetLife Stadium, packed with both sets of passionate supporters, erupted.
Brazil responded. Vinicius Junior, who had barely touched the ball in the opening quarter, finally received the ball in space on the left flank in the 32nd minute. He drove inside, skinned two defenders, and curled a right-footed finish across Yassine Bounou into the far corner. A moment of individual brilliance that papered over Brazil's collective struggles.
HOW THE GAME PLAYED OUT
Brazil had less than 30 percent possession for large portions of the first half — an extraordinary statistic for a team of their quality. Morocco pressed high and aggressively under new coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who replaced Walid Regragui just three months ago and has immediately implemented a direct, high-energy pressing game. Morocco had six shots before half-time. Brazil had two. The heat at MetLife — a humid New Jersey evening — was described by ESPN commentators as a major factor, with both sets of players visibly wilting in the second half.
Raphinha was Brazil's most dangerous player in the second half. He was put clean through by a dreadful backpass from Morocco defender Diop in the 68th minute, but Bounou raced off his line and hoofed clear under pressure. Raphinha also forced Bounou down for treatment after crashing into the keeper on a separate occasion. Endrick, on as a substitute, had a header that flashed wide in the 78th minute. Brazil pressed relentlessly in the final twenty minutes but Bounou was equal to everything — ending the game with six saves.
Morocco's own pushing for a winner in the final minutes came closest through Youssef En-Nesyri, who headed over from six yards in the 82nd minute with the goal gaping. The draw was a fair result.
LINEUPS
Brazil (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Guilherme Arana; Casemiro, Joao Gomes; Raphinha, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr; Igor Thiago. Subs: Endrick (for Igor Thiago 60'), Paqueta (for Joao Gomes 71'), Savinho (for Rodrygo 71').
Morocco (4-3-3): Bounou; Hakimi, Aguerd, Dari, Attiat-Allah; Amrabat, Ounahi, Saibari; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal. Subs: Sabiri (for Boufal 65'), Benrahma (for Ziyech 79').
THE NUMBERS
Brazil: 52% possession (second half), 11 shots, 4 on target. Morocco: 48% possession, 9 shots, 4 on target. Bounou: 6 saves — man of the match. Alisson: 4 saves. Vinicius Junior: 1 goal, 4 key dribbles completed.
WHAT IT MEANS
Brazil are a point behind where they would have wanted to be in Group C. They face Haiti and Scotland in their next two games — both winnable — but this draw hands Morocco a significant psychological boost heading into their next fixture against Scotland. Without Neymar, Brazil look disjointed in the final third. Ancelotti has questions to answer. Morocco, meanwhile, have announced themselves once again as a team nobody at this World Cup will enjoy facing.