World Cup: Vinicius Saves Brazil as Morocco Push Five-Time Champions to the Brink

World Cup: Vinicius Saves Brazil as Morocco Push Five-Time Champions to the Brink

 

For 21 nerve-racking minutes, Brazil stared at the prospect of a World Cup nightmare not witnessed in nearly a century. But when panic threatened to engulf the five-time champions, Vinicius Junior rose to the occasion, producing a moment of brilliance that rescued a 1-1 draw against a fearless Morocco side at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

The Selecao were rocked when Morocco struck first in the 21st minute. A costly mix-up between goalkeeper Alisson Becker and defenders Gabriel and Marquinhos gifted Ismael Saibari an opening, and the Moroccan midfielder calmly lifted the ball over the stranded Liverpool keeper from outside the box to send the African champions into dreamland.

The goal carried historic significance. It was the first time Morocco had ever scored against South American opposition at a World Cup, having drawn blanks against Peru in 1970 and Brazil in 1998.

Rather than retreat, Morocco piled on the pressure. Mohamed Ouahbi’s men overwhelmed Brazil with wave after wave of attacks, firing 12 shots within the opening half-hour — the most the South Americans have faced in a World Cup match since meeting Mexico in 2018.

With Carlo Ancelotti’s side rattled and their proud 92-year unbeaten record in opening World Cup matches under serious threat, Vinicius delivered when Brazil needed him most.

Making his 50th appearance for the national team, the Real Madrid star gathered a pass from Bruno Guimaraes inside the penalty area, danced past his marker and unleashed a thunderous strike beyond Yassine Bounou to restore parity 13 minutes before halftime.

Brazil nearly completed the turnaround moments later when Lucas Paqueta’s spectacular acrobatic effort forced a fine save from Bounou in stoppage time.

Inspired by the presence of Brazilian legends from the victorious 2002 World Cup squad — including Ronaldo, Kaka and Roberto Carlos — the Selecao emerged with greater purpose after the break. Yet despite enjoying more control, clear-cut chances remained scarce.

Raphinha came closest to snatching victory, narrowly missing Bruno Guimaraes’ dangerous low cross across the face of goal as Morocco’s resolute defence stood firm.

While Morocco were left wondering what might have been after coming so close to a famous victory, Brazil escaped with their remarkable opening-match unbeaten streak intact, extending a record that has now survived for an astonishing 92 years.