Carlo Ancelotti insisted Brazil must not lose heart after the five-time world champions laboured to a 1-1 draw with Morocco in their opening Group C fixture at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Saturday, a result that left the Selecao with serious questions to answer about their performance levels.
Brazil had been in danger of losing their opening World Cup match for the first time since 1934 after falling behind to Ismael Saibari’s first-half goal, before Vinicius Junior’s brilliant equaliser salvaged a point. Ancelotti acknowledged the display fell well short of expectations but urged calm in the aftermath.
“I think this was a tough match, especially in the beginning. The team was a bit anxious and nerves were all over the place,” Ancelotti said. “We didn’t play well, but we cannot lose heart. This is the first match in the World Cup and you can’t think the team is doing perfectly from the get-go. This was the result we had. It wasn’t bad, but we’ll keep picking up from the second match on. You don’t win a World Cup based on your first match.”
Vinicius Junior was equally candid about the nature of Brazil’s performance, admitting the slow start had cost his side dearly and that significant improvement was needed as the tournament progressed.
“We started on a really bad note,” the Real Madrid forward said. “We conceded that first goal and after that happens it’s hard to get it going. It’s the first match, it’s always hard. But we’ve got to improve and continue to grow because the competition is only starting. This is the World Cup, there are no easy matches. I think we really have to improve.”
Morocco, meanwhile, approached the match with a fearless mentality instilled by their coaching staff, and the performance fully reflected that attitude. The Atlas Lions pressed with energy, moved the ball quickly and caused Brazil problems throughout, particularly in the first half when they were the dominant side on the pitch.
