Sloppy Brazil held by Morocco 1-1 in their World Cup opener

Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Brazil’s Vinicius Jr tussle for the ball during the match. (AFP pic)

EAST RUTHERFORD: Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco in their World Cup Group C opener on Saturday, with Vinicius Jr’s fine strike cancelling out a goal from Ismael Saibari.

Morocco made the brighter start and took the lead in the 21st minute when Saibari finished a swift counter-attack, racing through the middle to convert Brahim Diaz’s through ball.

They controlled much of the first half and threatened again before Brazil levelled through a moment of quality from Vinicius, who cut in from the left and curled a right-footed shot into the top corner in the 32nd minute.

Brazil improved after halftime following several substitutions by coach Carlo Ancelotti, pressing higher and enjoying more possession. However, they struggled to break down Morocco’s low block as both sides earned a point.