Morocco produced an outstanding first-half display against Brazil but went into the break level at 1-1 after Vinicius Junior rescued the five-time world champions with a moment of individual brilliance at MetLife Stadium.
The Atlas Lions controlled possession from the opening whistle and pinned Brazil deep inside their own half. Mohamed Ouahbi’s side targeted the flanks and repeatedly exposed the Brazilian full-backs, particularly Roger Ibanez, who struggled to cope with Morocco’s pace and movement.
Brazil created little during the opening stages. Their first clear chance arrived after 14 minutes when Vinicius Junior burst down the left and delivered a cross for Igor Thiago, but the striker failed to direct his header on target.
Morocco’s pressure paid off soon after. Brahim Diaz split Brazil’s centre-backs with a precise pass and Ismael Saibari showed composure to lift the ball over Alisson and put the African side ahead.
The goal reflected the balance of play. Morocco moved the ball sharply through midfield, attacked with confidence and looked the more organised team. Achraf Hakimi constantly pushed forward from right-back and helped drive dangerous counter-attacks whenever Brazil lost possession.
Brazil struggled to establish control in midfield. Bruno Guimaraes covered huge ground as Casemiro and Lucas Paqueta failed to impose themselves on the contest. Raphinha also found little space as Morocco crowded central areas and forced Brazil wide.
Yet Brazil found a route back through star quality.
Vinicius Junior punished Morocco’s defence with a superb finish after finding space near the edge of the area. The Real Madrid forward drove his effort into the roof of the net to level the score against the run of play.
The equaliser changed the mood inside the stadium but not the overall picture of the first half. Morocco looked the sharper side, created the clearer openings and exposed several weaknesses in Brazil’s shape.
Brazil left the pitch level at the break. Morocco left it wondering how they were not ahead.
