Goals and Highlights Morocco2-1 Brazil in International Friendly Match

Morocco continued to ride the wave of their historic 2022 World Cup semifinal run, beating Brazil 2-1 in Tangiers in an international friendly on March 25.

The winning goal came with about 10 minutes remaining, as substitute Abdelhamid Sabiri roofed a loose ball in the Brazil box, and the Atlas Lions’ defense did the rest to see out a deserved result.

The Moroccan team took the lead in the first half on a well-executed attack that was finished with a classy, spinning move in the box by Sofiane Boufal. But an uncharacteristic mistake by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou on a shot by Casemiro saw Brazil equalize 1-1 in the second half.

Goals and Highlights Morocco2-1 Brazil in International Friendly Match

Morocco were simply sharper, more aggressive, intense, and direct compared to their South American opponents. They were fueled by a capacity crowd that created a memorable environment for the first match played after their fourth-place finish in Qatar.

Brazil were missing several injured players and they were clearly not at their best, but they did create a fair number of chances. However, their front three struggled to convert, and Bounou came up with timely saves just as he did throughout their World Cup run. Brazil also had a goal disallowed for a Vinicius Jr. offside infraction.

But the result perhaps shouldn’t come as a complete surprise since the Atlas Lions went farther than Brazil at the World Cup. The Brazilian side were knocked out at the quarterfinal stage on penalties, while Morocco became the first African team to reach the semis, where they fell to France in a tight contest.

Brazil head coach Tite departed after the World Cup, and the Selecao had an interim in charge in Morocco with Under-20 national team coach Ramon Menezes at the helm. His Moroccan counterpart ultimately got the upper hand, as Walid Regragui, who was the architect of the historic World Cup run, saw his team continue to perfect their signature playing style, turning biting defense into piercing attacks.

This was the only match that Brazil scheduled during this March international window. Meanwhile, the Atlas Lions will face another South American side in Peru on March 28 in Madrid.

Morocco vs Brazil final score

Goals:
MOR — Sofiane Boufal (Bilal El Khannouss) — 29th min.
BRA — Casemiro (Lucas Paqueta) — 67th min.
MOR — Abdelhamid Sabiri (Walid Cheddira) — 79th min.

Lineups:

Morocco lineup (4-5-1): 1-Bounou (GK) — 2-Hakimi (25-Attiah Allah, 52′), 5-Aguerd, 6-Saiss (capt.), 3-N. Mazraoui — 7-Ziyech, 8-Ounahi (11-Sabiri, 64′), 4-Amrabat, 23-El Khannouss (13-Louza, 64′), 17-Boufal (16-EZ Abde, 77′) — 19-En-Nesyri (21-Cheddira, 77′)

Brazil lineup (4-3-3): 12-Weverton (GK) — 2-Emerson Royal (9-Alberto, 92′), 3-Militao, 14-Ibanez, 6-Telles — 8-Andrey Santos (20-Veiga, 64′), 5-Casemiro (capt.), 7-Paqueta — 22-Rony (21-Antony, 64′), 10-Rodrygo (19-Roque, 64′), 11-Vinicius Jr

Why did Brazil lose vs. Morocco?

Perhaps you can blame the lack of a permanent head coach or the absence of several key players, but Brazil just weren’t as sharp and incisive as they usually are. The passes and combinations didn’t come easy, and players weren’t beating their opponents 1-on-1 as we’re used to seeing from the Selecao. Credit Morocco’s aggressive defending for Brazil’s lack of success in those departments.

It didn’t help that Brazil’s marking in the box was lax in the moments that counted, but the trio up top — Vinicius (left), Rodrygo (center forward), and Rony (right) — also missed on the few chances they did have. And the subs that came on, including Vitor Roque and Antony, failed to make a difference.

This Brazil team is one that appears to be in transition as it looks to identify a new coach and integrate a handful of new, young players.

How did Andrey Santos do?

The Chelsea signing on loan at Vasco da Gama made his Brazil debut, but Andrey Santos didn’t really make any standout plays that impacted the match. There were no defense-splitting passes, no shining dribbling moves to create chaos, no creativity on the ball, and no penetrating runs out of midfield into the attack.

But that didn’t stop Santos from giving himself a ‘7’ rating (out of 10) for his 64 minutes on the field. And he said it would’ve been a higher rating if Brazil had won. (We’re not sure that’s how player ratings are supposed to work.)

Palmeiras forward Rony also started the match and missed a big chance under pressure early on, which could have turned him into a potential hero. He showed a willingness to attack, but he just didn’t show the elite quality that is necessary to earn a regular place on Brazil’s Selecao.

Rony’s Palmeiras teammate Raphael Veiga came on late to make his debut, as did Athletico Paranaense forward Vitor Roque. But neither had time to leave a mark on the game.

Morocco are more than just defense

The Atlas Lions were one of the best defensive units at the World Cup, but their attacking ability and skill sometimes gets overshadowed by the focus on their clean sheets. Morocco’s players showed they can ball with the Brazilians.

Morocco manager Walid Regragui lined up some of his most skillful players in midfield with Bilal El Khannouss and Azzedine Ounahi bringing their talents to bear on the game, while Hakim Ziyech and Sofiane Boufal also oozed quality. It’s no wonder that Morocco looked dangerous on every transition that ran through those four players.