In the best game of this World Cup so far, Brazil and Morocco drew 1-1 (1-1). The African champions started strongly, but in the end the Selecao were closer to victory. The draw was fair.
At over 30 degrees Celsius and in front of more than 80,000 spectators in the stadium in New York/New Jersey, Ismael Saibari gave the Moroccans the lead as well as deservedly (21st). The North Africans seemed to be superior to the South Americans in all respects. But superstar Vinicius Jr. scored an equally impressive equalizer for the record world champions (32′). After that it was a completely different game – with clear advantages for coach Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazilian team. But goalkeeper Bono saved the draw for Morocco.
“It was a difficult game against a strong team,” said Ancelotti, who will lead the Selecao to their sixth World Cup title. The coach didn’t agree with the first half, but he did agree with the second half. Nevertheless, the 67-year-old stated: “We have to get better.” The South Americans have not appeared in a World Cup final since winning the title in 2002.
Morocco starts strong – Brazil has the best chance
Together with the thousands of fans, the Brazilians belted out the national anthem with great enthusiasm – and in doing so probably got themselves in the mood for a tough fight. Unusually, the South Americans concentrated on defense. They did well, because Morocco went to work with great ease and self-confidence.
After twelve minutes, the “Atlas Lions” had already fired six shots on goal and the Brazilians had just one. Former Bavarian Noussair Mazraoui created the best chance with a strong solo down the left side. His cross landed centrally in front of the goal to Neil El Aynaoui, whose shot was blocked.
Igor Thiago almost turned the game on its head. But it is precisely this hair that is missing from his bald head. The FC Brentford attacker went for a free header after Vinicius Jr.’s cross from the five-pointer, but nodded into the void (14th).
Saibari shocks Brazil,…
Morocco let the Brazilians come, but only to strike coldly. Brahim Diaz sent Saibari straight towards the penalty area with a hard pass. Saibari sprinted between Gabriel and captain Marquinhos, the two defenders were unable to follow. Alisson tried to reach the ball, but was too late. The Moroccan lofted the ball with great feeling over the keeper and into the empty goal – 1-0 (21st).
Three against one: But Ismael Saibari scores to make it 1-0 for Morocco.
…but Vinicius Jr. fights back
The following drinking break didn’t change anything in the game. Morocco pushed their opponents in behind, but the Selecao defense withstood the pressure. And suddenly the score was 1:1. Right-back Achraf Hakimi had moved up too far – and midfielder El Aynaoui was in a losing position against Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian superstar dribbled around his opponent in a small space and chased the ball into the far corner (32′).
Selecao with more clarity Performance increase
It was an effective hit. The equalizer took a little of the wind out of Morocco’s sails. The Brazilians now played more clearly and could have even taken the lead. But Bono fished Lucas Paqueta’s side kick out of the corner (45th + 2).
Duel between the two stars: Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and the Brazilian Vinicius Junior.
After the break, the South Americans remained in control. After a quickly taken free kick, Igor Thiago scored again. But Bono also parried his shot (52nd). The African champion seemed inhibited in this phase. Or was it already a lack of strength after the high pace before the break?
Only after the second drinking break did more of the Moroccans come again. But the longer the game lasted, the more both teams became reluctant to take risks. All that remained were needle pricks. Raphinha didn’t hit the ball fully when he finished (78′). Danilo Santos missed the last chance (90+3). Brazil did more than their opponents to win, but not enough. And so shortly before the end of the ten-minute stoppage time, Brazil’s goalkeeper Alisson had to intervene again against Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab.
The decision about who wins the group will be made against the outsiders
The question of who will ultimately come first in Group C is completely open – and will be answered in the duels with the outsiders. Morocco continues against Scotland on June 20th (00:00 CEST) in Boston. Brazil will face Haiti in Philadelphia a few hours later (3 a.m. CEST live in the stream at sportschau.de and on Erste).