June 15, 2026
Fernando Kallas, Reuters
Brazil's World Cup campaign was barely 90 minutes old before the national emergency sirens began wailing, with a flat 1-1 draw with Morocco in New Jersey leaving fans fretful, pundits furious and coach Carlo Ancelotti under pressure to grab the repair kit.
Vinicius Jr's flash of individual brilliance rescued a point for the five-times world champions but did little to disguise a performance that Brazil's demanding football public greeted with alarm, especially after a first half widely savaged as dreadful.
The heaviest criticism was aimed at right back Roger Ibanez, midfielder Lucas Paqueta, striker Igor Thiago and defensive midfielder Casemiro, though Italian Ancelotti was hardly spared as his selection and tactical plan came under fierce scrutiny.
