Brazil vs Morocco FIFA World Cup match result: Morocco denied famous win as Vinícius saves Brazil

Brazilian Vinicius Junior (7) celebrates a goal against Morocco. (AP photo) Brazil staged a spirited comeback to salvage a 1-1 draw against Morocco in a pulsating World Cup Group C clash on Saturday, a brilliant strike from Vinicius Junior helping the five-time champions avoid a losing start.In one of the standout games of the opening round of the expanded 48-team tournament, seventh-placed Morocco threatened to cause a major upset before Vinícius arrived when Brazil needed him most at a packed MetLife Stadium.

Morocco stunned Brazil with early dominance

Morocco, semi-finalists at the previous World Cup, started confidently and controlled the first exchanges. Their pressure paid off in the 21st minute after a costly mistake by Lucas Paqueta.Roger Ibañez Paquetá’s short pass was poorly controlled and cleared by Bilal El Khannouss. Noussair Mazraoui quickly took possession of the ball and found Brahim Díaz near the center circle. The attacking midfielder weaved a brilliant pass through the Brazilian defense to allow Ismael Saibari to race clear.With goalkeeper Alisson Becker slow to attack, Saibari calmly chipped the ball home for his 10th international goal, silencing much of the 80,663 crowd dominated by Brazilian supporters.After an early setback, Carlo Ancelotti was shaken as Morocco continued to threaten.

Vinícius leads the Brazilian response

Brazil, chasing a first World Cup title since 2002, gradually settled into the match and found an equalizer in the 32nd minute through their star winger.Exchanging passes with Bruno Guimarães down the left wing, Vinícius created space with a few quick touches and unleashed a ferocious right-footed shot beyond the reach of Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.The strike, Vinícius’ 10th goal for Brazil, restored parity and brought life back to the Seleção.“We started on a really bad note,” Vinícius said after the match through a translator. “We definitely have to hang on to the ball. We have to move better.”

Brazil survived a late scare to preserve a remarkable streak

Despite some nervous moments, Brazil managed to extend the extraordinary record. The draw extended their unbeaten run in World Cup openers to 21 matches, including 17 wins, since defeat by Spain in 1934.Morocco almost grabbed a famous victory deep into stoppage time. Alisson spilled Neil El Aynaoui’s long-range effort and, still on the ground, reacted sharply to block Ayoube Amaimouni’s follow-up effort with his right after another header went wide.Brazil were without injured superstar Neymar, who was sidelined as he recovered from a torn right calf.The draw leaves Group C on a good level. Brazil face Haiti in Philadelphia before closing the group stage against Scotland in Miami Gardens. Morocco will face Scotland in Foxborough before meeting Haiti in Atlanta.