NEW JERSEY: Brazil narrowly avoided an upset defeat after being held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco in a thrilling FIFA World Cup encounter at MetLife Stadium.
Morocco started strongly and took a deserved lead in the 21st minute when Ismael Saibari capitalized on a defensive lapse by goalkeeper Alisson Becker, scoring a brilliant looping effort from distance. The goal marked the first time Morocco had scored against a South American team in World Cup history.
The African side maintained pressure for nearly 30 minutes, dominating possession and creating multiple attacking opportunities that troubled Brazil’s defense.
However, Brazil responded in the 32nd minute through Vinícius Júnior, who scored a brilliant equalizer in his 50th international appearance. He controlled a precise pass from Bruno Gomes inside the box before finishing clinically past the goalkeeper.
The first half ended evenly, with both sides creating further chances but failing to convert them into goals. Lucas Paquetá came close to giving Brazil the lead, but his attempt was saved, while Raphinha later missed a key opportunity in the second half.
Despite increased caution from both teams after the break, neither side managed to find a winner, and the match ended 1-1.
With this result, Brazil preserved its remarkable 92-year unbeaten record in opening World Cup matches, narrowly avoiding an upset against a spirited Moroccan side that impressed throughout the game.
