By Balogun Ayomide
Opening match in group C sees 5 time champions Brazil take on controversial Afcon champions Morocco.
Morocco‘s last world cup campaign is one that is not to be forgotten so soon, as we saw a run that took the African powerhouse all the way to the Semi-final, becoming the first African country to do so.
Brazil’s run in Qatar ended in the quarter-final after losing on penalties to Croatia. Despite Brazil’sr recent dip in form at the world cup (by their standards) the Selecao have played and won more matches than any team in the world cup.
This will be the second World cup meeting between the two (Brazil won 3-0 in 1998). Morocco’s only win against Brazil came in a friendly in 2023.
Will Morocco pull off a giant killing or Ancelloti’s Brazil spark immediately and send a statement, 90 minutes and whatever is added on will tell.
Hot Stats
. Brazil are unbeaten in their last 20 world cup openers (17 wins, 3 draws)
. Morocco have never won their opening game at the World cup (draw 3, lose 3)
Players To Watch Out For
. As much as Brazil is a star studded team, one player that will be very key in this matchup is Casemiro, the midfield veteran will be looking to bring calm to every Moroccan counterstorm.
. All eyes should be on Brahim Diaz of Morocco as the trickye winger will be looking to make the most ofy his flair to get the better of the Brazilian defence.
Venue
Metlife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey.
