When Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker remarked that head coach Carlo Ancelotti is facing more pressure than the president of the country, he had a point.
One of the greatest footballing powerhouses, Brazil have not won the World Cup in 24 years. It is unprecedented for a nation that mesmerised the world with Joga Bonito and has five titles to its name.
Brazil haven't won the World Cup since 2002 and have moved past the quarterfinals just once since. The lowest point of this phase was a humiliating 7-1 defeat to Germany in the 2014 semifinal on home soil in Belo Horizonte.
All eyes are now on Ancelotti, the country’s first full-time foreign coach. He is a proven genius, with five Champions League titles, and is the only coach to win championships in all five major European leagues. And he has a squad brimming with individual talents. The challenge, however, will be to make them work like a well-oiled unit on the field.
It won’t be easy though. Though Brazil are unbeaten in 20 World Cup openers since 1934 (winning 17 going into the opening match), the clash against African champions Morocco is expected to be a tough one. Brazil are ranked sixth in the world and Morocco seventh.
Brazil vs Morocco: Head-to-head record
The Africans won their continent's title controversially in January – they lost 1-0 to Senegal but were awarded a 3-0 forfeit victory because their opponents left the field for 15 minutes during stoppage time in protest against a penalty kick. Morocco became the first African nation to reach the World Cup semifinal, losing 2-0 to France four years ago.
The two teams have played each other four times in international football – two friendlies and one FIFA World Cup group-stage match. The Selecao won 2-0 in a friendly in 1997 and 3-0 (goals from Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Bebeto) in the 1998 World Cup. However, they lost 1-2 in 2023.
Brazil vs Morocco: Weather conditions
Hot weather expected in New York area. A temperature of 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31 Celsius) is forecast for kickoff at MetLife Stadium, site of the final on July 19.
Brazil vs Morocco: Predicted lineups and formation
Morocco and Brazil will be led by Paris Saint-Germain teammates Marquinhos and Achraf Hakimi. The two friends helped their club win a second straight Champions League title on May 30.
But, when they take the field for the opener, each one will be fighting to earn three points for his team. Marquinhos and Ancelotti will be more worried, with several players missing out of the squad due to injuries, with right-back Wesley being the latest. Their talisman Neymar, too, will miss the match against Morocco as he is sidelined with a calf injury. Picked for his fourth World Cup at 34, Neymar is still recovering from a torn right calf.
There are reports that he may miss the group stage altogether – Brazil will face Haiti on June 20 and Scotland on June 25 – as he is likely to be used for the business end of the tournament.
Despite his absence, Brazil have the talent to beat Morocco. Ancelotti is likely to employ a 4-2-3-1 formation. Becker is the first-choice keeper, with Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhães as the centre-backs. Veterans Alex Sandro (35) and Danilo (34) are expected to occupy the left- and right-back positions.
The midfield will be controlled by Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães, with Lucas Paquetá in the central role, linking them with explosive wingers Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha.
The sole striker position, if Ancelotti opts for this formation, will probably go to Matheus Cunha. Though not a traditional no. 9, he is likely to start, with Igor Thiago or teenage sensation Endrick as backup options later in the match.
The Brazil-Morocco match will be the first profile clash in this World Cup. Only time will tell who gets their act right and sets the tone for the upcoming encounters.
