Five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Morocco in their opening Group C match after Vinícius Júnior scored a crucial equaliser to rescue a point.
Morocco made a confident start and took the lead in the 21st minute through Ismael Saibari, who finished brilliantly after breaking through the Brazilian defence. Brazil responded quickly as Vinícius Júnior cut in from the left and fired home a spectacular strike in the 32nd minute to level the score.
Despite avoiding defeat, Brazil’s performance raised concerns as head coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted his side struggled with nerves in the early stages.
“We were anxious and didn’t play our best football, but it’s only the first game and there is plenty of room for improvement,” Ancelotti said after the match.
Meanwhile, Scotland celebrated a winning return to the FIFA World Cup after a 28-year absence by defeating Haiti 1-0 in Foxborough. John McGinn scored the decisive goal in the 28th minute to hand Steve Clarke’s side their first World Cup victory since 1990.
Backed by thousands of travelling “Tartan Army” supporters, Scotland produced a determined display and successfully defended their lead to secure all three points.
In Group B, Qatar earned the first FIFA World Cup point in the nation’s history after battling to a 1-1 draw against Switzerland. Switzerland had gone ahead through Breel Embolo’s first-half penalty before a late own goal by Miro Muheim gifted Qatar a historic equaliser.
Qatar head coach Julen Lopetegui praised his team’s mentality and discipline, describing the result as a landmark achievement for the nation.
The opening round of matches at the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup has already produced several memorable moments, with Brazil, Scotland and Qatar all making headlines for contrasting reasons.
