Vinícius Júnior Curls Brazil Level as Morocco Hold Selecao to 1-1 Draw

Ismael Saibari’s early chip put the Atlas Lions ahead before Vinícius Júnior’s stunning strike rescued a point for the five-time champions, who played without the injured Neymar.

Brazil came from behind to salvage a 1-1 draw with Morocco in their Group C opener at the MetLife Stadium in New York, as Vinícius Júnior’s sensational first-half strike cancelled out Ismael Saibari’s early chip for the Atlas Lions.

Morocco started strongly and capitalised on an early Brazilian mistake in the 20th minute. Ismael Saibari, played in by Brahim Díaz, chipped a clever shot over Alisson Becker to give the African side a surprise lead. The goal stunned the Brazilian supporters in the crowd and served as an early warning for the five-time champions, who were already without their star forward Neymar due to a calf injury.

Brazil responded 11 minutes later. Bruno Guimarães delivered a precise pass to Vinícius Júnior, who curled a sensational strike into the top corner, leaving Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou with no chance. The equaliser restored composure for the Selecao, though they struggled to break down a disciplined Moroccan defence.

Morocco finished the match with 13 shots, four on target, while Brazil managed eight attempts with five on target. Possession was nearly evenly split, with Brazil holding 54 percent to Morocco’s 46 percent. Both sides finished with identical passing accuracy, Brazil at 87 percent and Morocco at 88 percent.

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro and defender Ibañez were shown yellow cards, while Morocco kept their discipline with none. Moroccan keeper Bounou required extensive medical treatment in the 84th minute after an accidental collision with Raphinha but managed to finish the match.

According to a report by Accra Street Journal, the result leaves Group C wide open. Brazil will need to improve their attacking cohesion without Neymar, while Morocco will take confidence from holding the five-time champions to a draw. Both teams will look to secure their first win when they face their remaining group opponents.

Source: Accra Street Journal 

Last Updated on June 14, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.

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