Brazil v Morocco LIVE: Impressive Morocco earn creditable draw against five-time World Cup winners | OneFootball

(AP)

Brazil stuttered as they began their bid for a sixth World Cup crown against Morocco, in a 1-1 Group C clash that preceded Scotland’s game with Haiti.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side are among several highly fancied for the tournament, which takes place across the USA, Canada and Mexico, but Morocco quickly proved why they are a team to be wary of, as Ismael Saibari gave the underdogs the lead on 21 minutes.

A wonderful finish from Vini Jr drew Brazil level, however, ensuring it was 1-1 by half-time – and so it remained come the end of the second half, as the points were shared.

Brazil had been hit by a slew of injuries before the tournament, with Eder Militao, Rodrygo, and Estevao ruled out, while they were without Neymar for Saturday’s game as their all-time top scorer suffered an injury set-back. Meanwhile, Morocco – who were controversially awarded the Afcon title off the pitch this year – are aiming to replicate their surprise semi-final run from the 2022 World Cup, or better it.