Brazil’s apparently poor and unsatisfying performance, as the five-time champions drew 1-1 against Morocco in their first match at the Fifa World Cup, has sparked a heated debate among football fans in China.
A Weibo thread titled “Wake up, Brazil, this is the World Cup” went viral on Sunday morning, drawing more than 15,000 likes, nearly 1,400 comments and more than 400 shares in a matter of hours, dividing fans into two camps: those who know their soccer, and those who don’t.
Ismael Saibari’s skillful strike gave the Africans the lead after just 21 minutes at the New Jersey Stadium, but Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior scored his 10th international goal – on his 50th cap – to ensure Carlo Ancelotti’s men walked away with a point.
The hosts Morocco were defending well and relying on counter attacks after the break, while Brazil were careful not to advance too much.
A section of Chinese social media users called it a “loss” to Brazil for failing to topple Morocco, and this sentiment sparked immediate criticism.
“Do you know Morocco’s quality standards? You’re too conservative to think it’s a failure for Brazil if they don’t win,” one commentator said.
