The 2022 WC semi-finalists Morocco got off to a dominant start against five-time champions Brazil, showing no signs of being underdogs against their illustrious opponents.
The Seleção were all over the place in the early stages, but the Atlas Lions failed to convert despite creating a host of chances.
The Brazilian backline were having to make a host of last-ditch blocks, the best of which came when Gabriel Magalhães put his body in the way to deny Neil El Aynaoui after he latched onto Noussair Mazraoui’s cutback to the edge of the box.
Brazil began to grow into the contest around the quarter-hour mark as Morocco retreated into their half, soaking up the pressure from Carlo Ancelotti’s men.
That patient approach paid off on 21’ for the Atlas Lions, as a quick transition from defence into attack culminated with Brahim Díaz sending Ismael Saibari through on goal, and the PSV striker produced an exquisite chip over the onrushing Alisson to give Morocco the lead.
Their advantage was short-lived, as a piece of individual brilliance drew Brazil level just after the half-hour when Vinícius Júnior cut inside from the left and sent a powerful shot into the far corner.
Lucas Paquetá almost put the Brazilians in front on the stroke of HT with an acrobatic effort in the box that was denied by Yassine Bounou, drawing an exuberating first half to a close.
Ancelotti made a double substitution ahead of the restart, introducing Danilo and Fabinho for Casemiro and Roger Ibañez, who had both been booked in the opening 45 minutes.
Those changes seemed to solidify the Brazilian side, who looked more balanced and in control of possession. Both teams struggled to replicate the intensity shown in the first half as a number of stoppages resulted in a disjointed affair for large parts of the second period.
Raphinha had a pop shot saved by Bounou after Vinícius did well to pick out the Barcelona forward in the box.
In the end, the contest petered out with goalmouth action at a premium, with both sides seemingly happy to settle for a point. Morocco came closer to stealing the points, but Alisson kept out El Aynaoui's late long-range drive.
Mohamed Ouahbi, who was taking charge of the Atlas Lions in a competitive game for the first time since his appointment in March, would have been pleased with his side’s performance against one of the pre-tournament favourites, and will be confident they can put themselves in the driving seat for qualification when they face Scotland next.
Ancelotti, meanwhile, will be left frustrated with his side’s performance given that they were second best for the majority of the game, with an improvement needed against Haiti.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Brahim Díaz (Morocco)
