Brazil begin their bid for a sixth World Cup crown against Morocco, in an intriguing Group C clash that comes before Scotland face Haiti later in Boston.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side are among several highly fancied for the sprawling tournament, which takes place across the USA, Canada and Mexico, but Morocco quickly proved why they are a team to be wary of, as Ismael Saibari gave the underdogs the lead on 21 minutes.
Brazil were looking disjointed, but a trademark finish from Vini Jr drew them level not long thereafter, ensuring it was 1-1 by half-time.
The winger is a key player for the Selecao, who were hit by a slew of injuries before the tournament, with the likes of Eder Militao, Rodrygo, and Estevao ruled out, while Brazil are also without Neymar for this game after their all-time top scorer suffered an injury set-back.
Meanwhile, Morocco – who were controversially awarded the Afcon title off the pitch this year after farcical scenes against Senegal – are aiming to replicate their surprise semi-final run from the 2022 World Cup, or better it.
Follow live updates from Brazil v Morocco below
Brazil 1-1 Morocco
52’ – A decent reaction from Bono as Brazil take a quick throw that catches the Morocco defence out. There certainly appears a bit more purpose to Brazil’s play in the early knockings of this period.
Brazil 1-1 Morocco
49’ – Ouch. Bruno plants his studs on Hakimi’s right ankle. It’s a free kick and the Brazil players is very, very fortunate not to be booked. That is a bad tackle.
Brazil 1-1 Morocco
47’ – Brazil win a corner. But it’s not taken immediately owing to some dragging in the box. When it is delivered, a Morocco player (we can’t see exactly who because the box is crowded) puts it out for another.
That one is too deep and Vini Jr is robbed of the ball in a wide area, allowing Morocco to move forward.
Double Brazil change
Ancelotti is not messing about.
Fabinho and Danilo, two former Premier League stars, are on. Casemiro and Ibanez are off – both of whom were booked and had stinkers.
A penny for the thoughts of Manchester United fans watching Casemiro there and wondering why the midfielder they have just signed in his stead remains on the bench.
Half-time! Brazil 1-1 Morocco
The whistle goes. Vinicius is still complaining to the referee, even appearing to signal for a card – which I thought was a yellow offence – as they head down the tunnel.
Back in a moment for more of this belter.
