Duel between the favorites in Group C
©IMAGO
A dream goal from Vinicius Junior saved record holders Brazil from a false start in the World Cup. The Real Madrid offensive star scored the equalizer in the 32nd minute in the 1-1 (1-1) draw against Morocco in East Rutherford. Ismael Saibari, who was courted by FC Bayern, had previously put African champions Morocco in the lead (21st).
Brazil, which won the last of its five World Cup titles 24 years ago, is not one of the big favorites at the XXL tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico. At least the Seleção survived the tricky start in front of 80,663 spectators without any major damage. The fourth place in the 2022 World Cup was probably the most difficult opponent in Group C. In their second preliminary round game, the Brazilians face outsiders Haiti, while the highly rated Moroccans face Scotland.
Morocco brisk, Brazil erratic: That’s what the game looked like in the first half hour. As expected, the North Africans appeared confident and took the initiative, the South Americans made many inaccuracies and sometimes offered their opponents surprisingly large spaces. That didn’t please Brazil’s coach Carlo Ancelotti, nor his injured veteran star Neymar, who wasn’t part of the squad but was sitting on the bench in a training shirt.
The Moroccans’ lead was not only deserved, but also played out brilliantly. Real star Brahim Díaz served Saibari with a wonderful through ball – and he scored with a lob over keeper Alisson to make it 1-0. FC Bayern Munich wants to sign the 25-year-old offensive man from PSV Eindhoven. In this scene it became clear once again why.
The Seleção were now even more challenged, especially Vinícius Júnior – and he delivered. The 1-1 result from the polarizing high-class technician came more or less out of nowhere, but it was a dream goal. He powerfully sank the ball into the right corner after a fine individual action on the left side.
Brazil’s fans, clearly in the majority in the impressive arena just outside New York, were now in full force again – and Vinícius Júnior heated them up further with his gestures. In stoppage time in the first half, Lucas Paquetá stunned them with a side kick, but Morocco goalkeeper Bono parried.
After the break, the Brazilians appeared much more controlled than in the first half. Igor Thiago was denied by Bono (52′), Raphinha narrowly missed a sharp cross from the six-yard box (67′). And Morocco? Surprisingly rarely seen at the front.
Even in the final phase, the record world champion, now with former Bundesliga professional Matheus Cunha in the attack, was closer to the winning goal than the African champion. Raphinha appeared dangerously in front of Morocco’s goal twice more, but in the end Brazil had to be content with the one point.