Morocco started their FIFA World Cup 2026 marketing campaign with a formidable 1-1 draw in opposition to Brazil, as Ismael Saibari's first-half strike was cancelled out by Vinicius Junior in a fascinating Group C encounter at New York New Jersey Stadium.
The Atlas Lions had been the brighter aspect from the opening whistle, exhibiting no worry in opposition to the five-time world champions. Mohamed Ouahbi's males dominated the early exchanges, registering 5 pictures throughout the first 10 minutes whereas Brazil struggled to settle into the competition.
Morocco's constructive method was rewarded within the twenty first minute. Brahim Diaz threaded a wonderfully weighted through-ball between Brazil's central defenders, permitting Saibari to race by way of on aim earlier than delicately chipping the advancing Alisson Becker to present the North Africans a deserved lead.
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Achraf Hakimi practically doubled the benefit moments later, solely to see his low effort drift narrowly vast of the far submit.
Brazil regularly grew into the sport and located an equalizer within the thirty second minute by way of Vinicius Junior. The Actual Madrid star minimize inside earlier than unleashing a strong strike past Yassine Bounou, marking his fiftieth look for Brazil with a memorable aim.
Lucas Paqueta practically accomplished the turnaround earlier than halftime, however Bounou produced a fantastic save to maintain the scores stage.
The second half proved way more cautious, with each groups exhibiting larger defensive self-discipline. Brazil loved extra possession however struggled to create clear-cut alternatives in opposition to a well-organised Moroccan backline.
Because the match entered stoppage time, Morocco got here agonisingly near snatching all three factors. Neil El Aynaoui's long-range effort pressured Alisson into a pointy save, earlier than the Brazilian goalkeeper reacted brilliantly once more to disclaim Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab on the rebound.
The 1-1 consequence extends Brazil's outstanding file in World Cup openers, with the Seleção now unbeaten of their first match match since 1934.
For the Atlas Lions, the draw is one other assertion of intent following their historic World Cup run in Qatar 2022 and makes them severe contenders to problem for the highest spot in Group C.
