Vinicius Junior scored a stunner as Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw with enterprising Morocco in their Group C opener.
In the more forgiving temperatures of New York, Morocco got off to a blistering start when Brahim Diaz picked up a loose ball in midfield to thread a perfect pass between two of the best centre-backs in world football – Gabriel and Marquinhos – towards Ismael Saibari.
The midfielder collected, settled his nerve, and stood up Alisson before dinking the ball over him. It was a real show of composure and class from World Cup 2022’s surprise package – still the most successful African nation in the history of the tournament.
But Brazil’s brilliance is rarely outshone; their squad so overcrowded with difference-makers. Vinicius Junior was the one to stand up to the pressure on this occasion, as the wondrous winger cut inside and shaped a lovely strike into the top corner against the run of play to level.
Ismael Saibari scored a sumptuous opener
Brazil, so often dubbed a team of individuals, needed one of their most talented to dig them out of a hole against a side who appeared more complete overall. Morocco were full of beans in the first period and then showed their steel by digging in in the second. They have every chance of going far if such balance can be maintained.
The draw also gives Scotland the chance to leap to the top of Group C when they face Haiti later on Sunday.
The key moments from New York…
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21: GOAL! Brahim Diaz picked up a loose ball in midfield and threaded a pass to Saibiri, who lobbed Alisson.
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26: Achraf Hakimi hammered a low shot wide as Morocco pressurised.
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32: GOAL! Vinicius Jnr cut inside and bent a wonderful equaliser in top corner against run of play.
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45+2: Lucas Paqueta tested Yassine Bounou with an acrobatic low effort.
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53: Thiago tried his luck from range but saw his fierce strike beaten away by Bounou.
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84: Bounou got Issa Diop out of a sticky situation by racing off his line to clear away from Raphinha.
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90+8: Double save needed from Alisson after Neil El Aynaoui’s effort from range.
