Vinícius Rescues Brazil in 1-1 World Cup Draw

Morocco, who became the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final in 2022, controlled large parts of the game. They took twelve shots in the first half and outplayed a Brazil side missing the injured Neymar. Former players were critical, calling Brazil's performance "ragged" and noting a squad full of wingers but weak in midfield. Carlo Ancelotti, the first foreign coach to lead Brazil at a World Cup, made changes at half-time, taking off the experienced Casemiro and defender Roger Ibañez to settle his team.

After the match, Ancelotti apologised, admitting his team "didn't play as well as we hoped," but he stressed that "you don't win a World Cup based on your first match." Observers pointed out that Argentina also lost their opening game in 2022 before winning the trophy. Still, with Brazil chasing a first world title since 2002, a 24-year wait, the weak display raised new doubts. Brazil next face Haiti in Philadelphia on 19 June, then Scotland in Miami on 24 June.