Brazil draw Morocco World Cup press reaction concerns

The Brazilian press did not really seek excuses after the draw between Morocco and Brazil (1-1), Saturday, for the entry of both teams into the World Cup. In several media outlets, the tone is harsh, sometimes brutal, for a Seleção that struggled against the Lions of the Atlas.

On Bladi.net : Morocco Brazil Match Brazilian Press Analysis

Band summed up the evening in a direct formula: "Brazil played poorly, but Vini Jr.’s gem guaranteed the draw against Morocco". The media adds that the Brazilian selection "had scares" and "showed no improvement" for its entry into the competition.

The same observation at Terra, which states that the Seleção "played poorly, abused mistakes and conceded the draw against Morocco". For the Brazilian site, Vinicius Junior was "the only good news" of Carlo Ancelotti’s team. The media goes further by describing a Brazilian team that "simply did not find itself on the field" in the first period.

In another analysis, Terra speaks of a "catastrophic first half" for Brazil and a draw snatched "thanks to the brilliance of Vini Jr.". The assessment is severe: Brazil was "dominated at the start", made defensive errors, lacked offensive inspiration and had to rely on "a flash of genius" from its striker to avoid a defeat that seemed possible for part of the match.

UOL was even harsher. Columnist Mauro Cezar Pereira believes that "the draw was a benefit for the Brazilian selection". According to him, Morocco was "much superior for a good part of the first period" and could have "defined the duel" before even the Brazilian reaction. For him, Vini Jr. pulled "a rabbit out of a hat" while Brazil was playing very poorly.

Columnist Alicia Klein, also on UOL, draws an even more symbolic conclusion: "Brazil must celebrate the draw against Morocco". She writes that this point taken against the Lions of the Atlas "is not little, given what we are today". For her, Morocco has "changed category", while Brazil has descended into this same zone where Moroccans now arrive.

The Moroccan goal also provoked strong reactions. On CNN Brasil, Galvão Bueno, a figure of sports commentary in Brazil, denounced an "infantile marking error" by the Brazilian defense on Ismael Saibari’s opening goal. He also judged that the Brazilian defense was experiencing "an absolutely unfortunate day".

Carlo Ancelotti tried to calm things down after the match, but his words confirm the difficulties encountered by his team. The coach acknowledged that Morocco had managed to come out of the pressure and create "dangerous transitions". He also admitted that the match had been difficult, because "Morocco is a good team".

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In Brazil, this draw is therefore not read as a simple temporary underperformance. It is mainly seen as a warning. Morocco not only resisted one of the World Cup favorites: it shook it, worried it and forced it to acknowledge that it was no longer a secondary opponent.