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Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted his side did not perform at their best during the 1-1 draw against Morocco in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Seleção were put under pressure for much of the first half as Morocco dominated proceedings and took a deserved lead through Bilal El Khannouss Saibari. Brazil responded after the break, with Vinicius Junior scoring a stunning equalizer to secure a point.
Speaking after the match, Ancelotti acknowledged that his team struggled to cope with Morocco’s intensity early on but was pleased with the reaction shown in the second half.
“Yes, I am satisfied. Of course, we hoped to start better, but Morocco are a good team. Now we have to focus on the next game,” Ancelotti told Globo.
The Italian coach pointed to Brazil’s difficulties in the opening period, where Morocco won key duels and repeatedly threatened on the counterattack.
“I don’t think we started the game well. The team was a little nervous and lost several duels. The first half was not good,” he said.
Ancelotti also praised the Atlas Lions for their tactical discipline and ability to break through Brazil’s pressure.
“It was a difficult match because Morocco are a very good team. In the first half, they managed to play through our press and created dangerous transitions. We could have had more control of the game,” he added.
Despite the disappointing start, Brazil improved significantly after the break and limited Morocco to very few clear chances, allowing Ancelotti to take positives from the performance ahead of the team’s next Group C fixture.
The draw leaves both Morocco and Brazil with a point after the opening round of matches in what is expected to be a highly competitive group.
