Brazil fought back from an early setback to secure a thrilling 1-1 draw against Morocco in a high-profile FIFA World Cup Group C clash on Saturday, with Vinícius Júnior rescuing the five-time champions at MetLife Stadium.
Morocco, semifinalists at the last World Cup, made a bright start and stunned Brazil with the opening goal in the 21st minute through Ismael Saibari.
The Atlas Lions capitalized on a defensive error after Lucas Paquetá lost possession from a short pass by Roger Ibañez.
Bilal El Khannouss reacted quickly, allowing Noussair Mazraoui to launch a swift attack before Brahim Díaz threaded a perfect through ball behind Brazil’s defense.
Saibari raced onto it and calmly chipped goalkeeper Alisson Becker for his 10th international goal.
Brazil responded strongly and found the equalizer 11 minutes later through Vinícius Júnior.
The Real Madrid forward combined brilliantly with Bruno Guimarães on the left side before cutting inside and firing a powerful right-footed effort beyond Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou for his 10th goal for Brazil.
The goal lifted the atmosphere among the 80,663 fans inside the stadium, most of whom were supporting the Seleção after a tense opening spell dominated by Morocco.
Ranked sixth in the world, Brazil entered the expanded 48-team tournament as one of the favourites to win a first World Cup title since 2002, while seventh-ranked Morocco arrived with growing confidence following their historic run to the semifinals four years ago.
Despite struggling defensively at times, Brazil extended its impressive unbeaten streak in World Cup opening matches to 21 games, recording 17 wins and four draws since losing to Spain in 1934.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti, the first foreign manager to lead the Seleção at a World Cup, attracted attention by wearing a three-piece suit and tie despite the sweltering 31-degree Celsius heat in New Jersey.
Brazil were without star forward Neymar, who is still recovering from a torn calf injury and was not included in the matchday squad.
The South Americans will face Haiti in Philadelphia on Friday before concluding their group campaign against Scotland in Miami Gardens. Morocco will take on Scotland in Foxborough before meeting Haiti in Atlanta.
