The Moroccan team surprised Brazil with an overwhelming start, but Verdeamarela managed to recover to tie the score at 1-1 before halftime. A first half full of intensity, friction and emotions in both areas left everything open for the second half, with scores from Saibari for the Moroccans and Vinicius Jr. for the South Americans.
Morocco sets the pace and hits the first blow
From the opening whistle, the Moroccan squad took control of the ball, completely throwing Brazil’s initial scheme out of control. During the first 15 minutes, Morocco dominated possession, generated good passes and managed to register up to six dangerous arrivals into the rival area. Despite the attempts of Thiago and Paquetá to mount an offensive, the Brazilians could not retain the ball. The African insistence paid off in the 20th minute, when Saibari surprised the South American defense and managed to beat goalkeeper Alisson, marking the 1-0 in favor of Morocco.
After the hydration break at minute 25, the dynamics of the match began to change. Brazil advanced its lines, assuming a position of dominance and putting strong pressure on the rival’s exit. Although goalkeeper Bounou and his defense resisted the first attacks, the Brazilian pressure was unsustainable. The South American insistence was rewarded when Vinicius Jr. found the space to define and send the ball to the back of the net, returning equality to the score.
The last ten minutes of the first half were characterized by a back-and-forth game, marked by strong friction in the midfield and great work by the Moroccan captain, Achraf Hakimi, who not only generated constant danger, but was also the target of multiple fouls.
The end of the first half was full of warnings and key defensive plays:
• Yellow cards: Frustration and intensity led to Brazilians Casemiro and Ibañez being reprimanded.
• The Bounou wall: In added time (four minutes were made up), the Moroccan goalkeeper dressed as a hero by making a providential save that drowned out the cry of Brazil’s second goal.
• Comprehensive work: The sacrifice of Vinicius Jr. stood out, who after scoring, constantly went down to support the defensive work to stop the Moroccan counterattacks.
