Brazil Stumbles: Vinicius Stunner Not Enough in 1-1 Morocco Draw

Morocco didn't just show up. They came to play, taking the early initiative. Brahim Díaz, sharp as a tack, picked up a loose ball, then slipped a perfect pass between Marquinhos and Gabriel. Two top centre-backs, reportedly. Ismael Saibari collected it in the 21st minute, kept his cool, and dinked it right over Alisson. Lovely finish. A proper opener from Africa's most successful World Cup side. Brazil was reeling.

Then Vinicius Junior, as he often does, decided to be brilliant. Against the run of play, he linked with Bruno Guimarães, danced inside, and unleashed a gorgeous strike into the top corner. Goal. 32nd minute. An equaliser. Turns out, it was the first time Vinicius Jr had scored for Brazil without them going on to win. Eight previous times, a Vini goal meant victory. Not this time.

Brazil's issues ran deeper than one conceded goal. Carlo Ancelotti, their coach, didn't mince words after the whistle. "We lost a lot of duels and possession… I expected a better start," he admitted. The midfield trio – Casemiro, Paquetá, Guimarães – looked promising on paper. On the grass? They left grand canyons between the lines in the first half. Morocco exploited that space, bypassing the midfield with ease, leaving Brazil's back four exposed again and again. They tallied 12 shots before the break. Let that sink in.

Yassine Bounou, Morocco's man between the sticks, was forced into heroics after the restart. He charged out to deny Raphinha and later pulled off a brilliant double save from distance. Meanwhile, Scotland quietly got on with it, beating Haiti 1-0 in the other Group C game. Points dropped, rivals gain.