Atlas Lions Roar, Seleção Respond as Brazil and Morocco Open with Honours Even
The Mt Kenya Times 
Morocco
By Norman Mwale
“To come to MetLife and compete with Brazil for 90 minutes is not easy. A point here is earned, not given.” — Walid Regragui
Brazil and Morocco began their World Cup 2026 campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, in a contest that delivered tension, quality and a clear message to the rest of Group C. Morocco struck first in the 21st minute when Brahim Díaz slipped a precise pass into the path of Ismael Saibari, who finished with composure to stun the Brazilian defence. Brazil responded swiftly through Vinícius Júnior, who levelled in the 32nd minute with a finish of real class that underlined his status among the game’s elite forwards. The match was finely poised thereafter, with both sides showing organisation, discipline and the ability to hurt the opposition on the break. The first half ended level and the second period became a tactical chess match as both coaches looked to gain the upper hand.
Carlo Ancelotti acted decisively at the interval after Casemiro was cautioned in the 36th minute, withdrawing the midfielder and introducing Savinho to add energy and direct running down the right flank. The change shifted Brazil’s approach from measured control to a more assertive pursuit of a winner. On the hour mark Ancelotti made a double substitution, sending on further attacking reinforcements as Brazil pressed to break down a resolute Moroccan block. Walid Regragui answered with changes of his own in the 64th minute, replacing Díaz with Chemsdine Talbi and Bilal El Khannouss with Azzedine Ounahi. The alterations saw Morocco trade creativity for industry, tighten their 4-3-2-1 shape and absorb Brazil’s pressure with discipline. Further substitutions followed from both benches as fresh legs were introduced to maintain intensity through ten minutes of added time, but neither side could find the decisive goal.
Ancelotti praised his team’s response after the match, saying “We conceded early but showed character to equalise and continued to play our football. Against a team as well organised as Morocco you must be patient, and I am proud of the effort.” Regragui was equally satisfied with his side’s resilience, noting “We defended with unity and created problems on the counter. A point here is earned, not given.” Achraf Hakimi commended Morocco’s organisation and resolve while acknowledging room for improvement, reflecting “It was not an easy game, but we have to learn from the mistakes we made tonight. We have to continue to focus and win the next matches.” Vinícius Júnior, who was voted man of the match, added “They are a top team, very physical and very clever tactically. We pushed until the end and will take confidence from the fight.” With one point each, both Brazil and Morocco depart New Jersey having demonstrated that they possess the quality and mentality to challenge deep into the tournament, and Group C now promises to be one of the most competitive of the competition.
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