FIFA WC 2026: Vinicius scores but Brazil share the spoils with Morocco in New York
New York, June 14
The five-time winners Brazil and Qatar 2022 semi-finalists Morocco shared the spoils thanks to two equally brilliant goals from Vinicius Jr and Ismael Saibari in the Group C match here on Sunday.
The meeting between the Brazil and Morocco, who became the first African nation to reach the last four ended in a 1-1 draw in front of a packed New York Stadium.
Interestingly, this is the first match in which Vinicius Jr has scored for Brazil which has not ended in victory. The previous eight occasions all helped secure a win.
Morocco stunned the Selecao, when Brahim Diaz split the Brazil defense with a delightfully weighted through ball which Saibari ran onto and lifted beyond the on-rushing Alisson, although the lead did not last long.
There looked to be little danger when Vinicius Jr was fed by Bruno Guimaraes wide and deep on the left of the penalty box, but he cut back inside and unleashed a blistering right-foot effort which rocketed beyond the helpless Yassine Bounou.
Just before halftime, Lucas Paquetá tried a spectacular trick shot, but the goalkeeper, Bounou, dived to his left and saved it. In the second half, Bounou made another good save after Vinícius passed the ball back to Raphinha.
At the end of the game, the other goalkeeper, Alisson, was just as sharp. He dived to block a long shot from Neil El Aynaoui, and then quickly jumped on the ball to stop Ayoube Amaimouni from scoring the rebound.
"I think we didn't start very well, I'm a little worried. We lost a lot of duels and possession, but we improved in the second half of a difficult match, because Morocco is a good team. In the first half, we had difficulty getting out of the pressure, we could have had more control. Was I Satisfied? Not really. I expected a better start. But things can happen. Now I'm going to focus on the next game," said Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
— IANS
Reader Comments
What a strike by Vinicius Jr! Unbelievable power and technique. But all credit to Morocco, they really are the dark horses of world football now. As an Indian fan, I'm just happy we got to see a great game of football live from NY! 🇧🇷🇲🇦⚽
This World Cup in the US has been amazing for global football. Seeing Brazilian fans in NYC alongside Moroccan fans, the atmosphere must have been electric. I'm a bit disappointed Brazil didn't get the win, but Morocco proved they are no fluke. Great tournament so far!
I feel Brazil could have controlled the midfield better. Bruno Guimaraes and Paqueta were good but they lost too many duels early on. Ancelotti needs to sort this out before the knockout rounds. Morocco's pressure was intense, reminded me of how Asian teams press in AFC tournaments.
That goal from Saibari was top class! The through ball from Diaz, the composure to lift it over Alisson... beautiful football. It's great to see African teams doing so well on the world stage. India should take notes on how Morocco built their football culture over the years. 🇮🇳⚽
Disappointing first half from Brazil, but they showed character in the second. Vinicius is world class, no doubt. But Morocco's Bounou was the real MVP today. His saves kept them in the game. Respect for both teams. Hoping for better from Brazil in the next match.
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