Brazil, 'Winless for 24 Years,' Struggles to Draw Against Morocco

[Anchor]

Brazil, the nation with the most World Cup titles, has not won the tournament since the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup. Their campaign for the North and Central America World Cup has also gotten off to a difficult start. In their opening match against Morocco, the surprise semifinalist of the previous tournament, they barely managed a draw.

Reporter Jeon Yeongmin has the story.

[Reporter]

With superstar Neymar watching from the bench due to a calf injury, Brazil struggled early on against Morocco's speed and organized play.

In the 21st minute of the first half, they even conceded the opening goal.

A single through ball dismantled the defense, allowing Morocco's Saibari, who was named 'Player of the Year' in the Dutch league, to score with a chip shot.

Regrouping, Brazil leveled the score in the 32nd minute.

Vinícius beat a defender on the flank and fired a powerful right-footed shot to score the equalizer.

Brazil took control of the match afterward and repeatedly threatened the Moroccan goal, but their best efforts, including a volley from Paquetá, were all blocked by the Moroccan goalkeeper, forcing them to settle for a 1-1 draw.

[Ancelotti/Brazil National Football Team Head Coach: The result of today's match was not bad. We will work harder in the next game. The World Cup is not a tournament you win based on the first match alone.]

In the same Group C, Scotland defeated Haiti 1-0 with a winning goal from McGinn, securing their first victory on the main stage in 36 years and moving to the top of the group.

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Following South Korea's victory over the Czech Republic, other Asian teams also continued their early momentum.

In Group D, Australia defeated Turkey 2-0 with two goals from counterattacks, while in Group B, Qatar secured their first-ever tournament point with a dramatic equalizer in second-half stoppage time to draw 1-1 with Switzerland.

(Video Editing: Ha Seong-won, Design: Lee Ye-sol)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.