Brazil produced a spirited comeback to salvage a 1-1 draw against Morocco in a pulsating Group C clash at the FIFA World Cup on Saturday, with Vinícius Júnior's brilliant strike ensuring the five-time champions avoided a losing start.
In one of the standout fixtures of the opening round of the expanded 48-team tournament, seventh-ranked Morocco threatened to spring a major upset before Vinícius delivered when Brazil needed him most at the packed MetLife Stadium .
Morocco stun Brazil with early dominance
Morocco, semifinalists at the previous World Cup, made a confident start and controlled the early exchanges. Their pressure paid off in the 21st minute after a costly mistake from Lucas Paquetá.
Roger Ibañez's short pass was miscontrolled by Paquetá and deflected off Bilal El Khannouss. Noussair Mazraoui quickly seized possession and found Brahim Díaz near the center circle. The attacking midfielder threaded a superb pass through the Brazilian defense, allowing Ismael Saibari to race clear.
With goalkeeper Alisson Becker slow to charge out, Saibari calmly chipped the ball over him for his 10th international goal, silencing much of the 80,663-strong crowd dominated by Brazilian supporters.
The early setback left Carlo Ancelotti's side rattled as Morocco continued to threaten.
Vinícius leads Brazil's response
Brazil, chasing a first World Cup title since 2002, gradually settled into the contest and found their equaliser in the 32nd minute through their star winger.
Vinícius exchanged passes with Bruno Guimarães down the left flank, created space with a couple of quick touches and unleashed a fierce right-footed effort beyond the reach of Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
The strike, Vinícius' 10th goal for Brazil, restored parity and injected life back into the Seleção.
"We started on a really bad note," Vinícius said through a translator after the match. "For certain, we got to hold on to the ball. We have to move better."
Brazil survive late scare to preserve remarkable streak
Despite several nervous moments, Brazil managed to extend an extraordinary record. The draw stretched their unbeaten run in World Cup openers to 21 matches, including 17 victories, dating back to a 1934 defeat to Spain.
Morocco nearly snatched a famous victory deep into stoppage time. Alisson spilled Neil El Aynaoui's long-range effort and, while still on the ground, reacted sharply to block Ayoube Amaimouni's follow-up attempt with his right hand after another header had drifted wide.
Brazil were without injured superstar Neymar, who remained sidelined while recovering from a torn right calf.
The draw leaves Group C finely poised. Brazil next face Haiti in Philadelphia before concluding the group stage against Scotland in Miami Gardens. Morocco will take on Scotland in Foxborough before meeting Haiti in Atlanta.
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