The journey towards the sixth World Cup title began dramatically for Brazil. This Saturday (13), the green and yellow team drew 1-1 with Morocco at the MetLife Stadium, in New Jersey, in the United States. This was the opening match of Group C, which also includes Haiti and Scotland. The two teams still face each other in the round. The expectation was for a difficult confrontation. If the Brazilian team occupies sixth place in the International Football Federation (Fifa) ranking, the Moroccan team appears right behind and is coming off a semi-final in the last World Cup, in Qatar. Related news: Lula asks the Brazilian team to “play with their soul” in the World Cup. Surprises in the final stretch of the cycle are in the history of Brazil in World Cups. Carlo Ancelotti's team was dominated for most of the initial stage and conceded the goal, in a quick counterattack by the Africans. The Brazilian team was not on the field and made a lot of mistakes. Vinícius Júnior, however, stood out. He seemed more comfortable in the game and in an individual play he tied with a beautiful goal. Brazil even had a greater offensive presence in the final 45 minutes, but without sufficient efficiency. Changes to the team in the second half improved the ball flow and gave the Seleção more play, but not enough to turn the game around. In a confrontation that promised to be very balanced, logic prevailed. End of the mystery Ancelotti remained secretive throughout the week and avoided giving any clues about the lineup in the 15 minutes a day that the press had access to in training. The biggest doubts were resolved about an hour and a half before the ball rolled, with the announcement of the starters. The option was for Ibañez to replace Wesley, injured, and Igor Thiago in charge of the attack. First time in profit The match started with Morocco in control of the actions. The African team occupied the attacking field and put pressure on the ball, taking advantage of Brazil's nervousness, which found it difficult to exchange passes and made repeated mistakes. In 15 minutes, the Atlas Lions (as the Moroccan team is known) already had six shots, although none of great danger, and more than 55% possession. When the Brazilians seemed to find themselves in the game, the Moroccan goal came. In the 20th minute, Bilal El Khannous disarmed Lucas Paquetá, who was unable to control Ibañez's strong pass, and started the counterattack. Also midfielder Brahim Diaz received it in the middle and launched Ismael Saibari. The attacker surpassed the defender duo in speed and played for cover, as Alisson left. The goal left Brazil even more tense on the field, unable to adjust the marking, which was fragile and slow. Morocco took advantage and suffocated Ancelotti's team in defense. To complicate matters, Ibañez and Casemiro received yellow cards and were left hanging, at risk of expulsion. It seemed that only individual quality would put the Brazilian team back in the game. And she came with Vinícius Júnior. At 31, the number 7 received the ball from midfielder Bruno Guimarães in the area on the left, dribbled past midfielder Neil El Aynaoui and hit hard and crossed to leave everything equal. A beautiful goal in New Jersey. Brazil's best in the game, Vinícius Júnior sought a draw with a great goal. Draw reflected the balance of both teams. Photo: REUTERS/Dylan Martinez/Reproduction prohibited Calmer, the Brazilians managed to balance the game and exchange more passes. Morocco did not give up on the attack, but the match lost intensity. The best chance before the break was a volley from Lucas Paquetá, inside the box from the right, after a cross from Douglas Santos from the left, which goalkeeper Yassine Bono saved. Brazil improves For the second half, Ancelotti replaced the yellow Ibañez and Casemiro for Danilo and Fabinho. More connected, Brazil came back from the break, moving forward, managing to reduce Morocco's space. In the sixth minute, following a quick throw-in from the left, Igor Thiago received the ball in the area and shot hard at Bono, who palmed it in fright. It was the number 25's only dangerous move in the match. Looking for more mobility in the offensive sector, the Italian coach made two other changes, removing Igor Thiago, who made practically everything wrong in the game, and Lucas Paquetá. In their place, Matheus Cunha and Luiz Henrique entered. Finally, Bruno Guimarães gave way to Danilo Santos. With the changes, Brazil took control of the Moroccan field, but without being able to hit the last pass, that is, finish effectively. Rafinha, another player who scored little in the match, still had the chance for redemption in the final stretch of the game. He received it from Vinícius Júnior in the penalty area, with space, but didn't hit the shot, which ended up in the hands of Bono. In the final moments, the Atlas Lions forced Alisson to make two great saves. First, in a shot by El Aynaoui from outside the area. Then, anticipating striker Ayoube Amaimouni with the rebound in the small area, saving the Canarian team from defeat. The next match will be on Friday (19), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), against Haiti, at Lincoln Financial Field, in Philadelphia. On the same day, but at 7pm, Morocco takes on Scotland at Gillette Stadium, in Boston.