Neither Brazil nor Morocco deserved to lose this one, and the numbers backed that up. Ismael Saibari put Morocco ahead in the 21st minute after a sharp assist from Brahim Diaz, but Carlo Ancelotti’s side levelled through Vinicius Junior just 11 minutes later. The xG figures, 1.24 for Brazil and 1.28 for Morocco, told the story of a closely contested affair that neither team could separate.
Key moments
- 21′ — Ismael Saibari opens the scoring for Morocco, converting after a clever assist from Brahim Diaz.
- 32′ — Vinicius Junior equalises for Brazil, set up by Bruno Guimaraes.
Tactical breakdown
Both sides lined up in 4-2-3-1 and the match played out in tight spaces, with neither team able to establish clear dominance in midfield. Morocco’s press was effective in the first half, winning the ball high and creating the opener.
Brazil adapted after Vinicius equalised, taking more of the ball in the second half but lacking the final pass to break down Mohamed Ouahbi’s well-organised defence.
For Ancelotti, the draw is a missed opportunity in a group he would expect Brazil to top. Morocco, however, will take real confidence from a performance that showed they can compete at this level.
Player ratings
Vinicius Junior (BRA) 7.5 – His equaliser was clinical and he was Brazil’s most dangerous outlet all evening.
Ismael Saibari (MAR) 7.5 – The goal and an assured performance in midfield made him Morocco’s standout player.
Brahim Diaz (MAR) 7.0 – His assist for the opener showed real quality; he linked Morocco’s play well throughout the first half.
Bruno Guimaraes (BRA) 7.0 – Provided the assist for Vinicius’s leveller and was authoritative in the centre of the pitch.
Verdict
A point each from a first game that played out as these contests often do: two disciplined teams cancelling each other out in a narrow but competitive encounter. For Brazil, the pressure grows to impose themselves in the group. Morocco have shown they belong at this tournament.