Moroccan teenager stars in draw with Brazil
by Kickoff Reporter · KickOffBrazil and Morocco opened Group C at the FIFA World Cup with a thrilling 1-1 draw at the MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
Fixture: Brazil v Morocco
Score: 1-1
Goalscorers: Vinicius (32') / (Saibari 20')
The favourites opened up the group with the Selecao ever-present and hunting an elusive sixth title after exiting in the quarter-finals four years ago in Qatar, while the Atlas Lions returned and looked to build on the landmark semi-final finish last time out.
After a tentative start, the five-time champions were stunned in the 21st minute when a pass right through the centre of the box by Brahim Diaz released Ismael Saibari, who beat the offside trap to dink over the on-rushing Alisson Becker.
Brazil bounced back 11 minutes later as Vinicius Junior made a run out on the left having collected a forward pass from Bruno Guimaraes and cut-in to the near side to lash into the top corner of the net.
Former West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta nearly got the Selecao in front minutes ahead of halftime through a half-volley from a cross by Douglas Santos, but Yassine Bounou palmed away.
Second Half:
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti refreshed his starting stall before the resumption of the second half as Danilo came on for Roger Ibanez while former Liverpool midfielder Fabinho replaced Casemiro, who was on a yellow card.
Ancelotti’s men continued their positive pattern early in the second stanza and were close to going in front with a first-time shot from a difficult angle in the box by Igor Thiago, but Bounou was equal to the task.
Following an even spell, the Atlas Lions began to find momentum later on and nearly regained the lead through a teasing shot on the far side by Saibari, but he missed target.
Brazil came close again in stoppage time when a move on the near side resulted in a chance for Danilo, but the substitute shot straight at Bounou as it finished 1-1 between in the Group C opener in New Jersey.
Next Fixtures:
Brazil:
1. Haiti
2. Scotland
Morocco:
1. Scotland
2. Haiti