By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by African champions Morocco in their World Cup Group C opener at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey in New York on Saturday.
Ismael Saibari gave Morocco a deserved first-half lead before Vinicius Jr produced a moment of brilliance to restore parity, ensuring the points were shared in the opening Group C match.
Morocco made the brighter start, patiently working the ball down the flanks and posing an early threat through Achraf Hakimi and Bilal El Khannouss while Brazil looked to strike on the counter.
It paid off when Brazil fell behind in the 21st minute when Saibari lifted the ball over the onrushing Alisson Becker from outside the area following a lapse in communication between the Liverpool goalkeeper and his defenders, Gabriel and Marquinhos.
Morocco continued to dominate and, by the 30th minute, had registered 12 shots – the most Brazil have faced in a World Cup match since their encounter with Mexico in 2018.
But as Mohamed Ouahbi’s side failed to capitalise on their advantage, Brazil drew level 13 minutes before the break through Vinicius.
Although chances were at a premium for both sides, Raphinha came closest to finding an elusive second when he narrowly failed to connect with Guimaraes’ low-driven cross across the face of goal.
The draw means Morocco’s wait to win their opening game at a World Cup goes on, while Brazil’s remarkable 92‑year unbeaten first-match record remains intact.
“I don’t think we started the match well, the team was a bit nervous, we lost possession too often and lost too many challenges. The first half wasn’t good,” said Ancelotti, who noted that his side got better after the break.
“It improved in the second half; it’s a tough match because Morocco are a good side. I think there was a bit of nervousness. In the first half they were breaking out of our press and making dangerous counter-attacks.”
His Morocco counterpart Ouahbi added: “If you’re asking me if I want to have the same trajectory (as in 2022), no, I want to go beyond the semi-finals this time.
“This was one point but we hoped to have more. One point is good enough and we will improve.”
Meanwhile, Scotland savoured their first World Cup win in 36 years on Saturday when they edged past Haiti for a scrappy 1-0 victory in Group C.