Morocco and Brazil shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw in their opening Group C match of the FIFA World Cup before a sell-out crowd of 80,663 spectators.
The Atlas Lions, who reached the semi-finals of the last World Cup, made a bright start and were rewarded in the 21st minute when Ismael Saibari produced a composed finish, delicately chipping the ball over Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker to give Morocco the lead.
Morocco’s early dominance unsettled Brazil, who struggled to find their rhythm during the opening stages of the encounter.
However, the five-time world champions responded strongly and restored parity in the 32nd minute. Vinicius Junior received a pass from Bruno Guimaraes on the left side of the penalty area, cut inside onto his stronger right foot, and unleashed a superb strike into the roof of the net beyond the reach of the Moroccan goalkeeper.
The equaliser lifted Brazil, who enjoyed more possession and looked the more threatening side for periods of the match, but they were unable to find a breakthrough against a disciplined Moroccan defence.
Both coaches introduced several substitutions in the second half in an attempt to gain the upper hand, but clear-cut opportunities remained scarce as the contest became increasingly tactical.
With neither side able to produce a decisive moment, the match ended in a stalemate, earning both teams a valuable point to begin their World Cup campaign.
The result leaves Group C finely balanced as Morocco and Brazil look ahead to their remaining fixtures with hopes of securing a place in the knockout stage.
(The Whistler)