Morocco rattles Brazil as Qatar holds Switzerland in World Cup draws

Five-time champion Brazil narrowly avoided defeat in their World Cup opener, drawing 1-1 with Morocco in a pulsating Group B match. Morocco, a semifinalist four years ago, dominated the early proceedings, peppering the Brazilian goal with 12 shots in the first 30 minutes and taking the lead in the 21st minute through Ismael Saibari's chip over goalkeeper Alisson Becker.

Brazil, facing pressure to secure their first World Cup title since 2002, struggled to find their rhythm. Vinícius Júnior eventually leveled the score in the 32nd minute with a spectacular right-footed shot after a one-two passing sequence with Bruno Guimarães. The goal, his 10th international strike, subdued the Seleção supporters who had expected the fluid, entertaining play characteristic of Brazil's legendary eras.

Despite the draw, Brazil extended its unbeaten streak in World Cup openers to 21 matches, a run that includes 17 wins since a 1934 loss to Spain. Brazil, ranked sixth, and seventh-ranked Morocco are the only top 10 teams facing each other in the first round of the expanded 48-nation tournament.

“

We started on a really bad note. For certain, we got to hold on to the ball. We have to move better.

In another Group B match, Qatar earned its first-ever World Cup point by securing a shocking 1-1 draw against Switzerland. Boualem Khoukhi scored the equalizer with a header in the fourth minute of injury time. Switzerland had taken the lead in the first half via a penalty converted by Breel Embolo, but failed to capitalize on numerous other scoring opportunities.

"Every draw feels like a loss," Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka commented. "We're looking at ourselves. This performance was not good enough today to win." The Qatari players celebrated their late goal enthusiastically, while Swiss players expressed disappointment over the missed opportunity.

“

Every draw feels like a loss. We're looking at ourselves. This performance was not good enough today to win.