Vinicius Magic, Bono Heroics: Brazil, Morocco Trade Blows In Thrilling WC Opener Draw

Published 14 June 2026 · sports

Vinicius Magic, Bono Heroics: Brazil, Morocco Trade Blows In Thrilling WC Opener Draw Published By, Last Updated: June 14, 2026, 05:37 IST Vinicius Jr marked

Vinicius Magic, Bono Heroics: Brazil, Morocco Trade Blows In Thrilling WC Opener Draw Published By, Last Updated: June 14, 2026, 05:37 IST Vinicius Jr marked his 50th Brazil cap with a stunning equaliser, but Morocco's resilience and Bono's heroics ensured a gripping World Cup battle stayed level. Rapid Read Brazil's Raphinha, center, attempts a shot on goal during the World Cup Group C soccer match between Brazil and Morocco in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Saturday, June 13, 2026. (AP Photo) Brazil and Morocco served up one of the most entertaining contests of the FIFA World Cup 2026 so far, as the two sides played out a gripping 1-1 draw in a breathless Group C showdown in New Jersey. The clash had everything: moments of brilliance, tactical battles, desperate defending and goalkeeping heroics.

Adding to the atmosphere was Neymar, who remained sidelined with an injury but watched his teammates battle the side that stunned the football world with its run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals. Morocco Draws First Blood Morocco struck first and did so in style. In the 17th minute, Ismael Saibari latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Brahim Diaz before delicately lifting the ball over Alisson to silence the sea of Brazilian supporters. The Atlas Lions looked dangerous every time they broke forward, repeatedly exposing Brazil’s defensive line with their pace and direct running. But Brazil responded the way five-time world champions often do. Vini’s Wonder Strike On his 50th appearance for the national team, Vinicius Junior produced a moment of individual magic. The Real Madrid star cut in from the left flank before curling an unstoppable strike into the far corner, giving Yassine Bounou absolutely no chance and restoring parity for the Selecao.

The equaliser sparked an end-to-end spell that had the crowd on its feet. Lucas Paqueta nearly completed the turnaround with a spectacular spinning volley, only for Bono to pull off a sensational reflex save. Moments later, Marquinhos came agonisingly close from the resulting corner. Both managers have been proactive in the second half, shuffling their packs in search of a winner. Carlo Ancelotti introduced Matheus Cunha and Luiz Henrique to freshen up Brazil’s attack, while Morocco handed teenager Samir El Mourabet his competitive debut and brought on Chemsdine Talbi to inject fresh energy. Morocco’s occasional lapses in possession nearly cost them, but Bono was immense between the sticks. The goalkeeper threw himself into challenges, absorbed heavy contact and repeatedly denied Brazil’s star-studded attack to keep the score level. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Siddarth Sriram After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas.