Morocco exposes the flaws of the Brazilian team in their World Cup debut

The first major match between major teams in this World Cup ended without a winner. Brazil and Morocco drew 1-1, this Saturday (13), in front of a packed stadium in New York/New Jersey, in a duel that reinforced the potential of the Africans and exposed problems already known to the Brazilian team.

Ismael Saibari put Morocco ahead in the first half, crowning a superior start for the 2022 World Cup semi-finalist team. Brazil found a draw thanks to a brilliant move by Vinicius Jr, who guaranteed a division of the points in the teams' debut in Group C.

For Morocco, the performance served as yet another demonstration that the team is capable of competing on equal terms with the traditional powers of world football. Brazil left the field with several questions to be answered - SEE THE BEST MOMENTS.

Brazil's weaknesses exposed by Morocco
"I don't think we started the match well. The team was a little nervous, we lost a lot of balls and a lot of duels. The first half wasn't good", said coach Carlo Ancelotti, highlighting the Brazilian team's improvement after the break.

"The team improved in the second half. It was a difficult game because Morocco is a good team. I think there was a little nervousness. In the first half they escaped our pressure and created dangerous counterattacks", added the coach.

Morocco started better, working the ball patiently along the sides of the field and creating danger with Achraf Hakimi and Bilal El Khannouss. Meanwhile, Brazil was betting on quick transitions to try to surprise the opponent.

The Africans crossed the Brazilian midfield with worrying ease, finding spaces between the marking lines. Young Ayyoub Bouaddi drew attention for his technical quality and ability to organize the team's offensive actions.

Saibari's goal punishes mistakes by the Brazilian team
Brazil's most dangerous first arrival came in the 14th minute. Igor Thiago appeared in a good position, but wasted the opportunity when he was unable to direct his header correctly.

Seven minutes later, Brazil's defensive weaknesses became evident. Lucas Paquetá lost possession in midfield, Brahim Díaz found Saibari in depth and the defense duo formed by Marquinhos and Gabriel were surprised by the rival's movement.

Alisson also failed to do so when he rushed out of the goal. With ease, Saibari covered the Brazilian goalkeeper and opened the scoring for Morocco, who turned the superiority demonstrated until then into an advantage.

Even controlling much of the action and imposing intensity, the Moroccans were unable to expand. Brazil, on the other hand, needed just a moment of inspiration to get back into the game.

Vinicius Jr saves Brazil with a great goal
In the 32nd minute, Vinicius Jr received a pass from Bruno Guimarães at the edge of the area on the left. The striker cut to his right foot and hit an unstoppable shot into the opposite corner to level the match.

Brazil almost turned around before the break. Lucas Paquetá hit a volley inside the box, but goalkeeper Yassine Bounou reacted quickly and prevented the second Brazilian goal.

When returning to the second half, Fabinho and Danilo replaced Casemiro and Roger Ibañez, who had performed well below expectations. The changes gave Ancelotti's team more balance and control.

The Brazilian team started to circulate the ball better and forced Morocco to defend more. Even so, he had difficulty creating clear chances, only managing to threaten more in the 78th minute, when Raphinha took advantage of Vinicius Jr's cross.

Group C remains open after a draw between Brazil and Morocco
As time passed, both teams reduced their risks and the pace of the match dropped. Brazil found energy in the final minutes and came close to victory with Matheus Cunha, but lacked the offensive brilliance of other times.

Despite the draw, both Brazil and Morocco leave the round believing in the possibility of finishing at the top of Group C, which could represent a theoretically more favorable path in the knockout phase of the World Cup.

The first round ends with Scotland in the lead, as the Europeans beat Haiti 1-0.

See the ranking of the most "worn out" teams for the World Cup

Source: CNN