A stunning late goal, a controversial penalty and Vinicius Jnr in his prime, the World Cup rarely disappoints on the pitch, and it was no different on Sunday.
Brazil fans may cringe at the thought of being disappointed by their team’s performance against Morocco, as is Switzerland’s outspoken captain Granit Xhaka, but for every cloud there is a silver lining like Qatar.
We’re in the middle of today’s action, and considering everyone should be ready for Haiti v Scotland at 9am, and Australia v Turkey at 12pm, here’s what happened overnight.
Respect even
When to watch Brazil do not like to watch Brazil? They are often outplayed by Morocco and need a moment of magic from their star striker to preserve their incredible record.
The five-time champions have not lost their World Cup opener since 1934, and have won 17 of 20 since before meeting the North African side at MetLife Stadium.
A sluggish start put that in jeopardy, and with Morocco getting the better of Brazil, Brahim Diaz’s 21st-minute cross burst through the South American’s goal like a surprise volley, and Ismael Saibari produced a sublime finish.
Less impressive was the gap the size of the Gulf of Mexico between centre-backs Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos which Saibari ran into before lifting his first shot over goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
This Brazil is not a big team, but they have big people and 10 minutes later, Vinicius Jnr cut from the goal line on the left side, placed the ball on his right side and shot it past the goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
And so it was until within 10 minutes of the break when Allison stopped Neil El Aynaoui’s low goal and then responded brilliantly to get a hand to a follow-up effort from Ayyoub Bouaddi.
