Carlo Ancelotti urges patience as Brazil make slow World Cup start with 1-1 draw against Morocco

EAST RUTHERFORD – Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said that “you don’t win a World Cup based on your first match”, after the five-time champions laboured to a 1-1 draw with Morocco on June 13.

The Selecao were in danger of losing their opening game at a World Cup for the first time since 1934, after falling behind to Ismael Saibari’s 21st-minute goal at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Vinicius Jr struck a superb equaliser 11 minutes later to earn a point for Brazil, but Ancelotti admitted it was not the type of performance expected from his team.

His side were left with questions to answer after a disjointed display, in which they were repeatedly stretched by their opponents’ pace and movement.

“I think this was a tough match, especially in the beginning. I think the team was a bit anxious and nerves were all over the place,” said the Italian.

“We didn’t play well, but we cannot lose heart. This is the first match in the World Cup and we can’t... think the team is doing perfectly from the get-go.

“This was the result we had. It wasn’t bad, but we’ll keep picking up from the second match on. You don’t win a World Cup based on your first match.”

Ancelotti tipped Vinicius to excel at the tournament as the leader of the attack, a role he will fulfil even when Brazil’s all-time record scorer Neymar returns from a calf injury.

“He did well. He was very dangerous and I think he has everything in his power to have a great World Cup,” he said of the Real Madrid forward.

However, Vinicius rued Brazil’s sluggish start against a Morocco side who had been told by their coach to approach the match with no fear.

“We started on a really bad note,” said the 25-year-old.

“We conceded that first goal and after that happens, it’s hard to get it going. You know, it’s the first match, it’s always hard.

“But we’ve got to improve and continue to grow because the competition is only but starting. This is the World Cup – there are no easy matches. But I don’t think there’s a lot to say now. I think we really have to improve.”

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi praised the display of the 2022 semi-finalists, who suggested they will again be a tough proposition in North America.

“Proud of the effort of the team – we drew, but we are happy for the performance of us. We still have to improve every game, so that is what we’re going to be focused on right now,” he told Fox Sports.

Coach Mohamed Ouahbi, meanwhile, said Morocco were hungry to go beyond the semi-finals at the World Cup.

He had said ahead of the match that Morocco were prepared to shed their underdog image, four years after they knocked out Spain and Portugal to become the first African team to reach the final four in Qatar.

“For the future of Moroccan football, we are confident. We drew; we’re happy. I’m not sad. We would have wanted to win, obviously, but I’m not sad,” he said. “What I’m really proud of is that we’re bold enough to play and ask for the ball under pressure. This is a great quality that we have...

“If you’re asking me if I want to have the same trajectory (as in 2022), no, I want to go beyond the semi-finals this time.

“This was one point but we hoped to have more. One point is good enough and we will improve.”

Elsewhere in Group C, Scotland have never managed to get past the group stage at a World Cup or European Championship in 12 previous attempts but could break that jinx after earning a scrappy 1-0 win over Haiti later on June 13.

When John McGinn rifled in the winner courtesy of two deflections in the first half, he gave Scotland their first victory at a World Cup in 36 years in what is their first appearance at the tournament since 1998.

“The next two games against teams inside the world top 10 will be tough games, but obviously we’re going into them with a little bit less pressure than everybody put on us going into this game,” said Scotland manager Steve Clarke. AFP, REUTERS