NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY: Brazil national football team were held to a 1–1 draw by Morocco national football team in their opening World Cup Group C match on Saturday at a sold-out stadium in the New York/New Jersey area.
Ismael Saibari gave Morocco a first-half lead after capitalising on a defensive error, before Vinícius Júnior equalised with a long-range strike to bring Brazil level.
Morocco started strongly, controlling possession and creating early chances through wide play, while Brazil struggled to maintain defensive organisation and were repeatedly exposed on the counter-attack.
Brazil equalised in the 32nd minute when Vinícius Júnior cut inside from the left and finished into the top corner. Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou later denied Brazil a second goal before halftime.
Brazil improved after the break following tactical adjustments, gaining more control in midfield, but they were unable to convert their possession into clear scoring opportunities. Morocco also threatened intermittently on the break but could not regain the lead.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti said his team began the match nervously and struggled to deal with Morocco’s pressing in the first half, though he noted improvements after the interval.
The result leaves Group C open heading into Haiti’s match against Scotland later on Saturday.