World Cup draw: Brazil and Morocco share points in opening match

The opening match of the North American World Cup ended in a 1-1 draw between record champions Brazil and Morocco. Ismael Saibari put the superior Moroccans ahead in the 21st minute, but Vinicius Junior equalized for the five-time world champions in the 32nd.

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We did not start the game well. The team was a bit nervous, we lost the ball too often and lost too many duels. The first half was not good. It got better in the second half.

Brazil, playing without the injured Neymar, faced significant pressure in the first half. Despite missing an early chance through Thiago, Morocco took the lead when Saibari, set up by Brahim Diaz, skillfully lobbed goalkeeper Alisson. Vinicius Junior, however, leveled the score with a decisive strike.

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I am not disappointed with the result, but I am not satisfied either. We have to get better.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted his team started nervously, losing possession and duels. "The first half was not good. It got better in the second half," he stated. Brazil improved after halftime, creating several chances to win the match, but were denied by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Morocco also had late opportunities to snatch victory.

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We have to get better.

Ancelotti expressed mixed feelings about the result, while Vinicius Junior acknowledged the need for improvement. Brazilian media were critical, with "O Globo" noting the draw amplified pre-tournament doubts and other outlets describing the match as "uninspired." Argentinian newspaper "Pagina12" wryly commented that "Brazil left its samba in the hotel."

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Brazil left its samba in the hotel.