World Cup: Saibari scores for Morocco in stunning draw with Brazil
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Ismael Saibari scored a delightful lob in his World Cup debut for Morocco against Brazil. FC Bayern’s transfer target gave the African representatives a shocking lead before Vinicius Junior leveled the score with an equally impressive finish before the half-time break.
PSV’s midfielder reacted quickly to chip the onrushing Alisson after a delightful through pass by Brahim Diaz just before the first-half hydration break. Morocco were in total control of the game until that point, but the five-time winners responded with a solo strike by Diaz’s Real Madrid teammate.
Brazil continued to grow into the game, while Morocco’s strong start faded away after they conceded the equalizer. The draw extended Brazil’s unbeaten start to the World Cup as the ever-present participants were only defeated at the start of the first two tournaments. Morocco never won their first game in the World Cup in seven attempts.
Saibari played 89 minutes, while Stuttgart’s winger Bilal El Khannouss was replaced a bit earlier by Ayoube Amaimouni. Eintracht Frankfurt’s youngster made his competitive debut on the big stage against a star-studded opponent. The Spanish-born attacker produced a fine performance as he nearly won it for Morocco in the 99th minute.
Former Bundesliga players Douglas Santos and Matheus Cunha also made their World Cup debut for Brazil, while Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui were Morocco’s fullbacks. Scotland and Haiti will go head-to-head in about an hour in the same group.
