Carlo Ancelotti learned that even the most skilled managers face challenges. Following a stunning opening goal from Ismael Saibari, the Brazil coach required a crucial intervention from Vinícius Júnior to prevent his team’s World Cup debut from turning into a disheartening loss.
During an engaging first half, Brazil often appeared overwhelmed as Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães struggled against a Morocco midfield led by the impressive young talent Ayyoub Bouaddi. The vibrant atmosphere in Times Square, filled with supporters donning yellow and red, heightened the anticipation for this highly awaited group stage clash. Yet, it was the Real Madrid forward, often criticized for his international performances, who provided a moment of joy for Brazil’s fans.
This marked the 25-year-old’s 10th goal for the national team in his 50th appearance. With Neymar sidelined due to a calf injury after his unexpected recall, Ancelotti recognizes that Brazil’s aspirations for a sixth title hinge on Júnior’s contributions. Despite their evident talent, Brazil struggles in certain areas. Morocco, who made history by reaching the semi-finals in 2022, demonstrated their capability to exploit these vulnerabilities and nearly clinched a victory in the dying moments after a mishap from Alisson. Brazil showed signs of improvement in the second half following some tactical adjustments from Ancelotti, yet it was clear that he has significant work ahead to mold his team into genuine contenders.
“We need to improve,”
was Ancelotti’s candid evaluation. “This was a tough match especially in the beginning. The team was a bit anxious, nerves were all over the place. I think we have to reassess what we did in this match. But we can’t lose heart – you don’t win a World Cup based on your first match.”
In March, Mohamed Ouahbi took over as Morocco’s head coach, succeeding Walid Regragui after leading the Under-20 team to a World Cup victory. He assured fans that his squad would strive for similar success following their remarkable performance in Qatar. Bouaddi, making only his fourth senior appearance, showcased a maturity beyond his 18 years, particularly after choosing to represent the Atlas Lions over France.
“The players are disappointed because they wanted to win,”
stated Ouahbi. “In the second half, the rhythm dropped but that is understandable against a team of this quality,”
Astonishingly, Brazil has summoned over 90 players since their exit from the last World Cup. However, Ancelotti has maintained a more consistent squad selection since taking the helm last year. His choice to position Roger Ibañez at right-back, a role he typically does not play, drew skepticism, as Morocco swiftly targeted the Al Ahly player.
Noussair Mazraoui surged forward from left-back while Neil El Aynaoui’s attempt was thwarted as Morocco wasted little time in attacking. Brazil appeared disjointed until Vinícius Júnior created an opportunity on the left and found Igor Thiago, who then misjudged his header.
Ancelotti’s anxiety was palpable in the sweltering New Jersey heat, and his worst fears were realized when Brahim Díaz executed a brilliant play. With no apparent threat, Díaz delivered a stunning pass that perfectly set up Saibari, who skillfully lobbed the ball over the out-of-position Alisson, a well-deserved goal for Morocco.
Had Achraf Hakimi opted to pass to Díaz instead of taking a shot in the subsequent play, Brazil could have faced an even greater deficit. Yet, when Brazil was on the brink of a setback, Vinícius rescued the team by receiving a pass from Guimarães at the byline and firing a shot past Yassine Bounou from a tight angle, leaving the crowd breathing a sigh of relief.
Bounou showcased his skills by tipping Lucas Paquetá’s volley wide just before halftime, as both Casemiro and Ibañez incurred yellow cards. The coach’s acknowledgement of his selections was evident as both players were substituted during the break, with Fabinho and Danilo brought in to provide a more structured approach, pushing Morocco back into their half.
Ancelotti introduced Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha for the final thirty minutes as Morocco continued to resist. A triple substitution that ended Díaz’s night hinted that Ouahbi might settle for a draw, while Brazil pressed for a late winner. Their best opportunity came during ten minutes of added time when Luis Henrique, another substitute, had his attempt thwarted by Bounou, much to Ancelotti’s evident frustration. Perhaps international management isn’t as straightforward as it seems?
