Brazil avoided a major World Cup scare as Vinicius Jr rescued a 1-1 draw against Morocco in New Jersey.
For a while, it looked like history was about to be made for all the wrong reasons. Brazil have not lost their opening World Cup match since 1934, but Morocco came very close to ending that incredible run.
Morocco show no fear
Morocco were the better side early on. They pressed Brazil, moved the ball quickly, and created problems almost every time they went forward.
Their reward came in the 21st minute. A mix-up between Alisson Becker and his defenders allowed Ismael Saibari to lift the ball over the Liverpool goalkeeper from distance.
It was a poor goal for Brazil to concede. However, Morocco deserved the lead.
By the half-hour mark, Morocco had already taken 12 shots. That tells you everything about the opening spell. Brazil looked slow, nervous, and surprisingly open.
Vinicius Jr delivers when Brazil need him
Big players often decide big moments, and Vinicius Jr did exactly that.
The Real Madrid winger, making his 50th appearance for Brazil, pulled his side level before half-time.
He collected a pass from Bruno Guimaraes inside the box, shifted the ball onto his right foot, and fired a superb finish past Yassine Bounou.
It was not just a brilliant goal. It was also a huge moment for Brazil.
Without it, Carlo Ancelotti’s side could have gone into the break facing serious pressure.
Brazil improved, but questions remain
Brazil were better after half-time. With legends such as Ronaldo, Kaka, and Roberto Carlos watching from the stands, they finally started to play with more control.
Lucas Paqueta almost completed the turnaround before the hydration break with an acrobatic effort. Later, Raphinha came close to turning in a dangerous low cross from Guimaraes.
Still, Brazil never fully convinced.
They had more authority in the second half, but they did not create enough clear chances. Against stronger sides, that could become a problem.
What this means for bettors
From a betting point of view, this result is a useful warning.
Brazil remain one of the favourites to win the World Cup. However, this was not the kind of performance that will make punters rush to back them at short odds.
Morocco, on the other hand, showed they can trouble elite teams. They were aggressive, organised, and brave in possession. If they keep playing like this, they could offer value in upcoming group matches.
Brazil’s unbeaten opening-game record is still alive. Yet this draw felt more like a lucky escape than a statement.
With Scotland beating Haiti in the other game in Group C, the pressure is now firmly on Brazil and Morocco if they want to make it to the knockout stages.
