Vinícius goal rallies Brazil to 1-1 draw against Morocco in teams’ World Cup opener
Vinícius Júnior scored an equalizing goal in the 32nd minute to help Brazil secure a 1-1 draw against Morocco in their World Cup opener at MetLife Stadium, while Morocco’s Ismael Saibari had put them ahead in the 21st minute. Brazil extended its unbeaten streak in World Cup openers to 21 matches, including 17 wins, despite early struggles and the absence of Neymar due to injury.
Brazil and Morocco played a thrilling World Cup opener at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Saturday, ending in a 1-1 draw. Morocco took the lead in the 21st minute when Ismael Saibari scored his 10th international goal after a through pass from Brahim Díaz split the Brazilian defense. Vinícius Júnior equalized for Brazil in the 32nd minute with a right-footed shot past Yassine Bounou, his 10th international goal, following a combination with Bruno Guimarães. The match featured tense moments, including a near-goal for Morocco in stoppage time when Alisson Becker saved twice in quick succession. Brazil’s Alisson, the goalkeeper, also wore a three-piece suit and tie for the game, coached by Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil’s first foreign World Cup coach. Brazil, ranked sixth in the world, and Morocco, seventh, are the only top 10 teams to meet in the first round of the expanded 48-nation tournament. Brazil’s unbeaten streak in World Cup openers now stands at 21 matches, with 17 wins, dating back to a 1934 loss to Spain. Neymar did not play due to a torn right calf. Brazil’s next match is against Haiti on Friday in Philadelphia, followed by a Group C finale against Scotland in Miami Gardens. Morocco will face Scotland in Foxborough, Massachusetts, before closing the group against Haiti in Atlanta. The game drew a crowd of 80,663 fans, with Brazil’s yellow-clad supporters subdued until Vinícius’ goal. An Uber ride from Times Square to the stadium cost $126.95 one hour before kickoff, up from $83.95 for advance booking.
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