Brazil’s disappointing start with 1-1 draw with Morocco

Brazil stumbled in their opening match of the World Cup in New Jersey. The five-time world champions were held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco. Vinicius Junior scored the team’s only equaliser. The draw gave the Seleção a shaky start to the tournament.

Brazil suffered a setback in the 21st minute of the match. Ismail Saberi gave Morocco the lead with a clever shot in this opening match of Group ‘C’. However, Vinicius equalized for Brazil in the first half. The Real Madrid star, receiving the ball from a pass from Bruno Guimaraes, beat Morocco goalkeeper Yacine Bono with a powerful shot from the corner of the D-box.

Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Kaká, members of Brazil’s last World Cup-winning team in 2002, were sitting in the gallery watching the match. In front of them, Brazil, playing under new foreign coach Carlo Ancelotti, failed to live up to their name. However, Neymar was not in the team for this match due to Kafir’s injury.

Morocco’s PSV Eindhoven forward Saberi kept Brazil’s defense busy throughout the match. On the other hand, after returning to the draw, Morocco goalkeeper Bono made excellent saves from attacks by Lucas Paqueta, Rafinha and Danilo, but Brazil did not get the winning goal. On the contrary, goalkeeper Alisson Becker saved Brazil from certain defeat in the last minute of the match. After blocking El Aynaoui’s long-range shot, he also skillfully blocked the return shot.

Brazil somehow managed to extend their 88-year unbeaten streak in the opening match of the World Cup, but the match was proof that Ancelotti’s team still have a long way to go if they are to win a record sixth title. Brazil’s next match is against Haiti, while Morocco will face Scotland.