Vinicius Stunner Not Enough as Brazil Are Held by Morocco — Ancelotti Says He Is Worried

Carlo Ancelotti's first match as a World Cup manager did not end in the victory Brazil craved. The five-time champions were held to a 1-1 draw by a Morocco side who were arguably the better team for long stretches of a ferociously competitive Group C opener in New Jersey.

Morocco set the tone immediately. Brahim Diaz picked up a loose ball in midfield and threaded a precise pass between Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos, giving Ismael Saibari space to compose himself and chip the ball delicately over a rushing Alisson. It was a moment of real class, and Morocco led 1-0 after 21 minutes.

Brazil's response came through their most dangerous individual. In the 32nd minute, on his 50th appearance for the national side, Vinicius Junior collected on the left flank, cut inside onto his right foot and whipped a thunderous shot into the top corner. The Brazilian fans in the stadium erupted. It was his 10th goal for the Selecao — and the first time a game in which he scored had not ended in a Brazil win.

The second half was played at a high tempo with both goalkeepers outstanding. Alisson produced a crucial double save late on to preserve the point. Morocco finished the game having registered 14 shots to Brazil's 13, a statistic that tells its own story about who controlled the contest.

"I'm worried," Ancelotti said at full time. The coach will have little time to dwell on it — Brazil face Haiti next, a match they are expected to win comfortably. But Morocco's performance signals that Scotland, who beat Haiti 1-0 on the same day, are not the only side who can challenge the five-time champions in Group C.