Brazil start World Cup mission with draw

Football on the field does not only follow the equation of history or strength, another proof was found on the world stage. Morocco bridged the gap between past traditions and field battles in the high-voltage match of the North American World Cup. In a thrilling match held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the African representatives faced five-time world champion Brazil. However, this tense match ended in a 1-1 goal deficit. The two teams started their World Cup mission in the tournament with a draw.

The Seleção suffered a major setback in their opening match. They conceded a goal in the 21st minute of the match and fell behind. However, Brazil was relieved to go into the break with a score of 1-1 thanks to a great equalizer from Vinicius Junior.

The Seleção took the field against Morocco today without poster boy Neymar. In the absence of injured Neymar, Carlo Ancelotti's team seemed quite disorganized from the start of the match. In contrast, Morocco started to present quite organized and aggressive football from the start. The African country could have had an opportunity to celebrate a goal in the sixth minute of the match. They attacked the Brazilian defense by relying on small and perfect passes from the left wing. The team's young midfielder Benjamin El Ainoui received the ball in the Brazilian d-box and took a strong shot targeting the post. But at the last moment, Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes stood as a wall with a great slide.

Brazil gradually tried to take control of the match by controlling this dominant football from Morocco. A great opportunity was also created in the Moroccan d-box from a counter attack by the Seleção. Igor Thiago got the ball in a good position on a teammate's extended lofted pass. The striker jumped in time but ultimately failed to make proper contact with the ball.

Just as Brazil was trying to get their bearings, Morocco stunned the MetLife Stadium in the 21st minute of the match. Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz's excellent pass was passed to Morocco forward Ismael Sibari, who took control of the ball and finished it with a great finish. His goal gave the team the lead.

However, after falling behind, the Seleção did not have to wait long to equalize. Just 11 minutes later, one of Real Madrid's best stars, Vinicius Junior, single-handedly brought the team back into the match. In the 32nd minute of the match, he received the ball from the left wing and dribbled brilliantly past a Moroccan defender to enter the D-box. Vinicius then put the ball into the net with a bullet-speed shot. Morocco's alert and experienced goalkeeper Yacine Buno could not stop the speedy shot even after jumping. This was Vinicius' 50th international goal in Brazil's famous yellow jersey.

After the first half ended in a 1-1 draw, the second half began. After the break, both teams kept their defenses in check and launched several attacks and counterattacks, but neither found the goal. In the end, there were no more goals and Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil and Morocco had to share the points.

Despite shaky moments, Brazil managed to extend its unbeaten streak in World Cup openers to 21, including 17 wins, since a 1934 loss to Spain.

Brazil plays Haiti on Friday in Philadelphia, then closes Group C against Scotland in Miami Gardens, Florida. Morocco faces Scotland in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Friday, then meets Haiti in Atlanta.