Five-time champions Brazil were forced to struggle against a workhorse by a Morocco team in the Group C opener. Vinicius Junior scored a beautiful equaliser – after Ismael Saibari had first lobbed Alisson and shocked the entire arena. – One thing is reasonably obvious! “This is not a Brazil that wins the World Cup, even with Carlo Ancelotti as national team manager.
Vinicius Junior unleashed a beauty as Brazil saved the point
Morocco with sensational World Cup record: Not a single player was born in his home country
Vinicius Junior scored a magical goal as Brazil only managed a 1-1 draw against an enterprising and disciplined Morocco in their World Cup opener.
In the somewhat more merciful temperatures in New York, Morocco got off to a flying start. Brahim Diaz picked up a loose ball in midfield and poked a perfect pass between two of the world’s best stoppers – Gabriel and Marquinhos – straight into the running path of Ismael Saibari.
The midfielder received the ball, lowered his shoulders, fooled Alisson – and lobbed it elegantly over him. It was pure class from the 2022 World Cup’s big surprise, which remains the most successful African nation in the tournament’s history.
Brazil’s star madness could not be completely overshadowed
Brazil’s brilliance is rarely outshone for long. Their squad is full of players who can decide on their own. This time it was Vinicius Junior who stepped forward. After a nice combination with Bruno Guimaraes, he cut in, charged the cannon and placed a beautiful shot in the cross – against the course of the game.
Vinicius saved Brazil, but the victory didn’t happen
This was the first time Vinicius Jr scored for Brazil without the team winning. The eight previous times he found the back of the net all ended in a Brazilian victory. Now they had to settle for one point.
Brazil – a team that has often been called a collection of individual players – needed one of their greatest talents to salvage face against a Morocco that looked more complete overall. The Africans were full of energy in the first half, and in the second they showed a will and fighting that makes them dangerous to anyone. If they manage to maintain their balance, they can go far.
Top showdown between top 10 teams – and barely separated teams
Brazil and Morocco are the only top 10 national teams to meet in the first round of the expanded 48-nation championship. Judging from what we saw here, it will be barely between them even as the tournament draws to a close.
Scotland took their chance
Scotland took advantage of the situation in Group C and beat Haiti 1-0 in the second leg. Thus, everything is alive – and Morocco has shown that they are certainly not in the United States to be guests.
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