PSV's Saibari scores for Morocco in draw against Brazil

Heavyweights Brazil and Morocco kicked off their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw in a packed New York New Jersey Stadium. The match, held in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is significant as it is the venue for the upcoming World Cup final on July 19.

Morocco, a semi-finalist in the 2022 World Cup, started strongly and created early scoring opportunities. Their early pressure paid off in the 21st minute when PSV's Ismael Saibari put the North Africans ahead. Former Ajax player Noussair Mazraoui also featured in the starting lineup for the African champions.

Brazil, who were eliminated in the quarter-finals four years ago, struggled to match Morocco's intensity. Despite this, the South American giants managed to equalize in the 32nd minute through a moment of brilliance from Vinicius Júnior. The Real Madrid player skillfully beat his defender and fired a powerful shot from a difficult angle into the net. No further goals were scored in the match.

Notably, Brazil's star player Neymar was absent from the game as he is still recovering from an injury. The draw means that the Netherlands could potentially face either Brazil or Morocco in the next round of the tournament, depending on their group stage performance.