Vinicius Junior scored a stunning goal as Brazil drew 1-1 with enterprising Morocco in their Group C opener.
In slightly more forgiving New York weather, Morocco got off to a blistering start with Brahim Diaz picking up a loose ball in midfield and threading a perfect pass between Gabriel and Marquinhos, two of the best centre-backs in world football, towards Ismael Saibari.
The midfielder came to his senses, relaxed, helped Alisson up and threw the ball over him. This showed the true composure and class of the 2022 World Cup surprise package. This remains the most successful African country in the history of the tournament.
But Brazil’s excellence never goes unnoticed. Their team was overcrowded with difference makers. Vinicius Junior was the one to overcome the pressure on this occasion. The stunning winger exchanged passes with Bruno Guimaraes before cutting inside and firing a beautiful strike into the top corner that put the play on the line.
Ismael Saibari scored a sumptuous opener.
Brazil, often referred to as a team made up of individuals, needed one of their most talented players to pull them out of a hole against a team that looked more complete overall. Morocco showed strength by boiling over in the first period and then digging in in the second period. If that balance can be maintained, they have every chance of going far.
Brazil and Morocco are the only top 10 teams to meet in the first round of the expanded 48-nation tournament, and the evidence here suggests there won’t be much to separate them when all is said and done. Scotland will be hoping to capitalize on the points dropped against Haiti later on Sunday.
Lucas Paqueta battles Noussair Mazraoui.
Big moments in New York…
21: target! Brahim Diaz picked up a loose ball in midfield and found Saibiri on the move, who lobbed Alisson.
26: Achraf Hakimi fires a low shot as Morocco piles on the pressure.
32: target! Vinicius Jnr cut inside and countered the run of play with a superb equalizer from the top corner.
45+2: Lucas Paqueta tests Yassine Bounou with an acrobatic low effort.
53: Thiago tries his luck from distance but his fierce strike is beaten by Bonno.
84: Bounou comes off his line to beat Raphinha and rescues Issa Diop from a difficult situation.
90+8: A double save from Alisson was needed in the second half after Neil El Aynaoui’s shot from distance and Ayoube Amaimouni’s follow-up.
What the results mean…
Ancelotti was ‘concerned’ and expected improvement
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti told FIFA:
“I’m a little worried because we didn’t start well. We lost a lot of duels and possessions, but we improved in the second half in a difficult game, because Morocco are a good team.”
“In the first half we had a hard time getting out of the pressure and could have had more control.
“(Was I) satisfied? Not really. I expected a better start. But things can happen. Now let’s focus on the next game.”
Analysis: A tough midfield leaves Brazil vulnerable.
Casemiro endured a difficult opening match for Brazil.
Lewis Jones on Sky Sports:
If there was one aspect of Brazil’s performance that concerned Carlo Ancelotti, it was what happened whenever they lost possession, especially in the first half.
On paper, the midfield trio of Casemiro, Lucas Paqueta and Bruno Guimaras looks to offer the perfect blend of control, energy and technical quality. In fact, the distance between them was too large in the first half, and Morocco repeatedly pushed into the space that opened up as a result.
Brazil’s midfield line was bypassed by a simple forward pass, leaving four defenders exposed and in an uncomfortable one-on-one situation. The numbers tell the story. Morocco had 12 shots on goal in the first half and could easily have been rewarded with more for their aggressive approach.
Casemiro was often isolated in front of the defence, with Paqueta and Guimaras caught between advancing and protecting the space behind them.
Brazil improved after the break. Casemiro’s departure at half-time changed the dynamic slightly, but Morocco’s diminished threat felt like the result of the North Africans running out of steam after their intense first-half pressure, as did Brazil’s dramatic tactical changes.
Exposing their defense against stronger opponents in the World Cup will leave Brazil very vulnerable.
Performance pleases Hakimi
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi on FOX Sports:
“It was not easy… they are one of the strongest teams in the tournament. We drew a picture but I am satisfied with the performance.
“We still have to improve every game and that’s what we’re going to focus on right now. We’ve got to keep going. We’ve got to keep the positives and learn from our mistakes.”
