Vinícius Júnior Rescues Brazil in World Cup Draw

Morocco, the first African side to reach a World Cup semi-final in 2022, dominated long stretches of the contest, registering twelve first-half shots and outplaying a Brazil side missing the injured Neymar. Pundits were unsparing: former players described Brazil's display as "ragged" and technically poor, pointing to a squad overloaded with wingers yet short of steel in midfield. Coach Carlo Ancelotti, the first overseas manager to lead Brazil at a World Cup, made decisive changes at half-time, withdrawing the veteran Casemiro and defender Roger Ibañez to steady his team. Morocco's new coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, lamented a drop in rhythm after the break but praised his players against opposition of such quality.

Afterwards, Ancelotti offered an apology, conceding his side "didn't play as well as we hoped" while insisting that "you don't win a World Cup based on your first match." Observers noted that Argentina lost their opening game in 2022 before going on to lift the trophy, urging patience in an expanded tournament that rewards endurance over fast starts. Still, with Brazil chasing a first world title since 2002, a 24-year drought, the lacklustre showing raised fresh doubts about their credentials. Brazil next face Haiti in Philadelphia on 19 June before meeting Scotland in Miami on 24 June, while Morocco will look to build on a performance that hinted they could again go deep into the competition.