After an incredible World Cup in Qatar where Morocco reached the semi-finals, they faced five-time world champions Brazil in a friendly match on Saturday evening in Tangier and managed to win 2-1. After the match, images show how the clash was tense.
The Brazilians wanted to take control of the game from the start, but they struggled to create dangerous chances against a very well organized Moroccan team, who did a good defensive job from the start. The team coached by Walid Regragui is still characterized by good defensive work and a compact block.
The Atlas Lions withstood the onslaught of the Brazilians, and even after the start of the game they tried to be more attacking. The game became increasingly heated and a big chance presented itself soon after through Vinicius Jr, who managed to score after further indecision from goalkeeper Bounou, but the goal was disallowed for offside. The position was very tight but the video referee ruled that the Real Madrid striker was in an offside position.
Despite this scare, Morocco recovered and took the lead after half an hour thanks to a goal from Sofiane Boufal. The home side took advantage of Emerson’s poor outing which led to Morocco’s superiority in attack and Boufal, with a good trick and maneuver in the box, scored Morocco’s first goal with a low shot.
The match became more and more tense and the players start to face each other. The confrontation which started when central defender Eder Militao went for a ball during an incident in the match ended in a small fight between several players.
Morocco Vs Brazil – Fight time !
Brazilian coach Ramon Menezes moves his bench and introduces new attacking players like Antony, Vitor Roque and Veiga. The pressure of the Cariocas increased and in the 67th minute they equalised thanks to a goal from Casemiro.
The Manchester United player and former Real Madrid player took advantage of another big error from Bounou and, with a shot that presented no danger at first sight, managed to beat the Moroccan goalkeeper, who saw the ball on his go under the arms when he had all the cards in hand to stop the shot on goal.
As Morocco’s chances dwindle, Walid Regragui’s men push from the sidelines and look for a goal with determination. The Maghreb are rewarded with a second goal scored by Abdelhamid Sabiri in the 78th minute.
The match turned into a veritable celebration for the home fans who chanted every move of their team as they beat mighty Brazil in an already historic game for the Moroccan national football team.
Morocco thus became the first Arab team in history to beat Brazil after 27 matches.