Brazil began their FIFA World Cup campaign with a stuttering 1-1 draw against Morocco, saved from defeat only by a brilliant goal from Vinícius Júnior.

The Atlas Lions held their own against the five-time world champions, threatening to claim one of the tournament's great opening-round upsets before Vinícius stepped up to deny them.

Brazil looked disjointed and lacked the sharp attacking intent expected of a side carrying genuine title ambitions. Morocco, meanwhile, were organised, physical, and dangerous in transition — hallmarks of a team that reached the semi-finals of the last World Cup.

Vinícius's equaliser papered over significant cracks in Brazil's performance. The Real Madrid forward showed individual brilliance to rescue a point, but the broader team display will give coach Dorival Júnior plenty to think about ahead of the group stage.

For Morocco, the result represents a hard-earned and credible point against one of the competition's heavyweights. The Atlas Lions demonstrated once again that African sides can compete at the very highest level on the global stage.