Five-time champions Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco in their Group C opening match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Saturday, while Qatar earned their first-ever World Cup point in a dramatic 1-1 draw with Switzerland in Group B.
In the match featuring Brazil and Morocco, Ismael Saibari gave Morocco the lead in the 21st minute with a composed finish over goalkeeper Alisson after a through ball from Brahim Diaz. Brazil equalized in the 32nd minute when Vinicius Junior cut inside from the left wing and curled a strike into the top corner beyond Yassine Bounou.
Morocco came closest to winning it late on when Saibari’s header struck the post, but the African side had to settle for a point that extends their impressive recent record against South American opponents.
The result extends Brazil’s historic unbeaten record in World Cup opening matches to 21 consecutive tournaments. Both teams now have one point in the Group C standings.
Earlier Saturday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, Breel Embolo converted a penalty for Switzerland in the 17th minute after a VAR review determined Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada had committed a foul in the box. Switzerland dominated possession throughout but failed to extend their lead.
Qatar equalized in second-half stoppage time when Boualem Khoukhi headed in a cross in the 95th minute. The draw secured the first point in Qatar’s World Cup history, achieved in only their second appearance at the tournament.
Switzerland now has one point in Group B alongside Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina, who also drew 1-1 in their group opener on Saturday, leaving all four teams level on points after the first round of matches.
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