Brazil winger, Vinícius Júnior, has criticised the team’s slow start following their 1-1 draw against Morocco in Saturday’s Group C clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The encounter at MetLife Stadium saw Morocco make the brighter start, with the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists dominating the early exchanges before taking the lead in the 21st minute through a delicate chipped finish from Ismael Saibari.
Brazil responded 11 minutes later when Vinícius combined brilliantly with Bruno Guimarães before firing a stunning right-footed effort past the goalkeeper to rescue a point for the Seleção.
Speaking after the game, the Real Madrid forward admitted Brazil struggled to settle into the contest and paid for their nervy opening display against a fearless Moroccan side.
“We started on a really bad note,” Vinicius told FIFA.com.
“We conceded that first goal and after that happens it’s hard to get it going, you know, it’s the first match, it’s always hard.
“But we’ve got to improve and continue to grow because the competition is only but starting. This is the World Cup, there are no easy matches.
“But I don’t think there’s a lot to say now. I think we really have to improve.”
Meanwhile, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti urged calm despite his team’s underwhelming start to the tournament.
“I think this was a tough match, especially in the beginning. I think the team was a bit anxious and nerves were all over the place,” said Ancelotti.
“We didn’t play well, but we cannot lose heart. This is the first match in the World Cup and we can’t… think the team is doing perfectly from the get-go.
“This was the result we had. It wasn’t bad, but we’ll keep picking up from the second match on. You dont win a World Cup based on your first match.”
