Brazil vs Morocco: Ancelotti debuts with 1-1 World Cup draw

Carlo Ancelotti’s first taste of World Cup action resulted in a 1-1 draw as Morocco’s fearless approach pushed Brazil to the limit. The South Americans were forced to rely on Vinicius Junior’s finishing and Alisson’s late heroics to escape an opening-day defeat that their opponents’ early dominance threatened to inflict.

Ismael Saibari’s clinical opener punished a disjointed Brazilian defence, but despite the relentless pressure, Ancelotti’s side clawed back a point thanks to their talismanic forward and a vital double-save from their goalkeeper in the final moments.

Mohamed Ouahbi’s team seized control from the first whistle, peppering the Brazilian goal with five shots in a chaotic opening 10 minutes. While Alisson was not immediately forced into action, the breakthrough felt inevitable and arrived in the 21st minute. A incisive throughball from Brahim Diaz bypassed the backline, allowing Saibari to ghost between the centre-backs and lift a delicate chip over the oncoming Alisson.

Brazil continued to struggle with Morocco’s movement as Achraf Hakimi soon found room for a shot that whistled past the far post. Despite being secondary for much of the half, Brazil levelled in the 32nd minute. Celebrating his 50th cap, Vinicius Junior cut inside to smash a venomous strike past a motionless Yassine Bounou.

The momentum briefly shifted before half-time, with Bounou producing a high-quality save to keep out Lucas Paqueta’s spectacular volleyed effort. Morocco’s defensive organisation regained control in a steady second half, yet they nearly claimed all three points deep into stoppage time. Alisson was the saviour for Brazil, reacting brilliantly to beat away Neil El Aynaoui’s powerful distance effort before smothering Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab’s follow-up.

Morocco’s historic start tests Brazilian longevity

Brazil have not lost a World Cup opener since 1934 and have won every opening group game since 1982, but this stalemate required significant grit. Morocco made their mark on the record books by becoming only the second side since 1966 to register five shots against Brazil in the first 10 minutes of a tournament match.

The sheer volume of the African side’s offense was transformative; Brazil faced 12 shots in the opening 30 minutes, more than they had allowed across any of their last six full World Cup fixtures. Although those opportunities dried up until the 99th-minute flurry, the display cemented Morocco’s credentials on the global stage.