2022 World Cup semifinalists Morocco continued in their brilliant run after the World Cup with a deserved 2-1 win over Brazil.
Morocco paraded their 2022 World Cup squad in the game as they took on the five time world champions.
Bono started in goal for the African side. Hakimi, Aguerd, Saiss, and Mazraoui were lined up in defense.
At the middle of the park were Ounahi, Armrabat, and El Khannouss while Ziyech, En-Nesyri, and Boufai led the attack.
Brazil also lined up with a 4-3-3 attacking formation going into the game.
Telles, Ibanez, Militao, and Emerson led the defense with Weverton in goal.
Lucas Paqueta, Casemiro, and Santos started in the midfield while Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, and Rony led the attack.
It was their first international friendly meeting and their second meeting after the 1998 World Cup when the Moroccans were pummelled 3-0 by the world champions.
Morocco mount early pressure
The 2022 World Cup semifinalist kicked off play mounting pressure on the Brazilian defense but the domination was shortlived as Brazil immediately won back possession and launched attacks.
Rodrygo tried to push through to the Moroccan box but ended up fouling a Moroccan defender.
A Moroccan midfielder was down in a challenge but the referee signaled play on.
Morocco made a first attempt to get something out of the game with En-Nesyri sending a through-ball to Ziyech but was intercepted in time by Brazil’s Militao.
Brazil were getting their way through with the possession at 18 minutes of play. They had 57% while Morocco managed 43% but the scoreline remained goalless.
Both sides unleashed attacking threats when in possession of the ball but failed to make it count.
29 minutes into the game, Boufai dropped a Brazil heartburn with a great goal. After receiving the ball from En-Nesyri, Boufai deceived the Brazil defense, turning around immediately to deliver a beautiful left-footed finish pass Weverton to give Morocco the lead.
The game began at a frantic pace and heated tempo as Brazil ramped up attempts to find an equaliser after the goal.
After trailing by a shock lone goal, the Brazilians got more aggressive and more physical. Brazil defender sparked a row in the 31st minute after a strong tackle on El Khannouss.
The tackle nearly grind the game to a halt with heated moments before the referee stepped in to diffuse the tension and proceed with the game.
Morocco held on and went into the first half with a narrow 1-0 lead.
Morocco dominates proceedings early in the second half
Despite leading by a lone goal, the African side kicked off the second half dominating the game until the 51st minute when Brazil cut in and started wielding control.
Brazil held sway and looked set to hit the equaliser with a dangerous attacking drive up the Moroccan defense but they were tamed by the Eagles until the 68th minute when Manchester United midfield sensation Casemiro hit the opener for the South American giants to draw the game level.
The Moroccan goalkeeper was the culprit in the goal. After Casemiro received a pass from Lucas Paqueta, he fired a shot on target. Bono attempted a diving save but ended up allowing the ball go pass him.
It was a deserved equaliser after minutes of sweating it out with the Moroccan players.
Morocco coach Walid Regragui made some changes to the team as he attempted to return to the lead.
The home side pushed with great effort to find their winner after Casemiro’s equaliser.
A constant high press coupled with changes by Regragui yielded results in the 79th minute.
It was Sabiri who was the hero of the night as he returned Morocco to the lead.
After Casemiro’s equaliser, the Brazilians seem to have lost touch with the game giving the hosts the leeway to do damage.
It was a deserved second goal for the Moroccans after a marathon of pressure.
Brazil regroups and launch late pressure
After conceding again, the Selecao found their balance and launched late pressure to salvage something from the game.
They were numbered up in the Moroccan half trying to find an equaliser again but were reined in by the Moroccans, who held on to grab a deserved 2-1 win at the blast of the final whistle.
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