The Goal.com Winners & Losers in Brazil v Morocco

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·14 Juni 2026

The Goal.com Winners & Losers in Brazil v Morocco

Brazil's World Cup campaign began with a 1–1 draw against Morocco at MetLife Stadium, as Vinicius Junior's stunning equalizer cancelled out Ismael Saibari's opener. Morocco dominated the early exchanges before Brazil's tactical adjustments restored parity, but neither side could find a winner despite late chances. GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Brazil v Morocco.

Winners

Vinicius Junior (Brazil)

His equalizer at 32 minutes rescued Brazil from falling further behind against a confident Morocco side. Cutting inside from the left, Vinicius curled a right-footed shot into the top corner past Yassine Bounou to make it 1–1 and shift momentum back toward the Seleção.

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Throughout the match, Vinicius exploited the space left behind by Achraf Hakimi's attacking runs on Morocco's right flank. His direct running created problems all evening, and he won a corner in the 19th minute when Hakimi was forced into a last-ditch intervention to deny him.

Brazil's reliance on individual brilliance was evident when collective patterns stalled, and Vinicius delivered the decisive moment. His goal ensured Carlo Ancelotti's first competitive match as Brazil coach did not end in defeat, securing a vital World Cup point against dangerous opponents.

Ismael Saibari (Morocco)

Saibari gave Morocco the lead at 21 minutes with a composed finish showcasing his movement and technical quality. Racing onto Brahim Díaz's expertly weighted through ball between Brazil's center-backs, he chipped the advancing Alisson with a delicate right-footed touch.

His threat extended well beyond the goal. Saibari troubled Brazil's backline with intelligent runs, frequently drifting to the left wing to create overloads and pressing from the front. He had another shot blocked inside the area and a second-half effort ruled out for offside.

For a Morocco side building on their 2022 semifinal run, Saibari's performance reinforced their attacking credentials on the biggest stage. His goal put Brazil under immediate pressure and demonstrated why Mohamed Ouahbi trusted him to lead the line in his World Cup debut.

Loser

Roger Ibañez (Brazil)

Ibañez endured a difficult 45 minutes before being withdrawn at half-time. Morocco repeatedly targeted Brazil's right side in the opening period, and the defender struggled to cope with the pressure from Brahim Díaz and the Atlas Lions' attacking combinations that exposed his positioning.

His yellow card in the 43rd minute for a foul on Díaz during a counter-attack compounded a poor display. Multiple one-on-one situations went against him throughout the first half, contributing directly to Brazil's defensive vulnerability before Ancelotti intervened.

Carlo Ancelotti had little choice but to substitute him at the break alongside the booked Casemiro. Danilo's introduction provided greater stability, but Ibañez's struggles underlined the risks of Brazil's makeshift back line following Wesley's pre-tournament injury that forced the selection change.