Vini dazzles but Ancelotti’s Brazil show frailties vs. Morocco

FBL-WC-2026-MATCH07-BRA-MAR

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Vinicius Jr scored a wonderful goal to give life to an otherwise languid Brazil performance, and they settled for a 1-1 draw with Morocco to open their World Cup play. The Selecao started slow, conceded, but a moment of magic from their main man gave them parity before the break. Both sides, it seems, will likely take the point with weaker opposition to come.

Brazil failed to find a foothold early on and were punished. Morocco's goal was a lovely thing. Brahim Diaz, an effective presence all night, slipped a ball between the Selecao center backs. Ismael Saibari - who scored 15 goals for PSV this season - ran onto it and lifted over a stranded Alisson.

Out of nowhere, Brazil responded. Vinicius Jr capitalized on the first chance he had. Morocco gave him a bit too much space. The Real Madrid winger cut inside onto his right foot and smacked one into the top corner, bringing a bit of life to a surprisingly tepid stadium.

The second half offered much promise, but delivered on admittedly little of it. Brazil removed the beleaguered Casemiro at half time and tried to add an injection of quality with Matheus Cunha. But the Man United man never quite delivered. And even if Vinicius continued to hum, a second goal never quite came. Morocco, meanwhile, were happy to dig in. Both sides, it seems, will take a point - with weaker opposition to come.

GOAL rates Brazil's players from New York/New Jersey Stadium...

Roger Ibanez

Goalkeeper & Defence

Alisson (6/10):

Made a couple of neat saves. Could do nothing about the goal.

Roger Ibanez (4/10):

A nightmare of a first half. Torched over and over again.

Marquinhos (5/10):

Out of position on the Morocco goal, and a little bit shaky otherwise.

Gabriel (6/10):

Equally culpable for Morocco's first, but rebounded rather well.

Douglas Santos (5/10):

Poor on the day. Looked old and out of ideas.

Casemiro Brazil 2026

Midfield

Casemiro (4/10):

Had a real nightmare in midfield. Never kept up with the pace of the game, booked before half time, and hooked at the break.

Bruno Guimaraes (6/10):

The better of the midfield two. Assisted Vini and covered ground more effectively.

Lucas Paqueta (5/10):

Largely absent for long periods of the first half, and then drew an impressive save out of Yassine Bounou. Finished the game with the most defensive contributions of any Brazil player.

Vinicius Jr Brazil

Attack

Raphinha (6/10):

A bit loose on the ball in the first half, but created a couple of chances in the second. A decent shift, all said - even if he could have offered more.

Igor Thiago (6/10):

Held up the ball well in moments. Put a shot on goal, but was otherwise sparsely involved.

Vinicius Jr (8/10):

Bagged from his first half chance, and looked dangerous thereafter. Unlucky to not have one or two more.

Brazil v Morocco: Group C - FIFA World Cup 2026

Subs & Manager

Danilo (6/10):

A decent shift at full back - despite his age.

Fabinho (6/10):

Plenty of dirty work and covering spaces, but not much on the ball.

Matheus Cunha (6/10):

Offered extra legs but not much attacking quality.

Luiz Henrique (5/10):

14 touches in 30 pretty underwhelming minutes.

Danilo (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Carlo Ancelotti (5/10):

A mixed World Cup coaching debut. Morocco aren't a bad side, but Brazil will surely feel they should have done more.