FIFA World Cup 2026: Vinicius Junior turns out to be saviour for Brazil in clash against Morocco

Brazil’s Vinicius Junior (right) shoots to score against Morocco at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Saturday. Pic/AFP

After scoring his 10th goal for Brazil in his 50th appearance for the Selecao during the 1-1 draw with Morocco in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match, Vinicius Junior said that he "wasn't 100 percent at his best" but will improve to help Brazil more in attack.

Vinicius and Ismael Saibari scored outstanding goals for Brazil and Morocco as two FIFA World Cup 2026 heavyweights traded blows in New York.

This was the first time when Vinicius has scored in a match where Brazil have not won. The previous eight occasions all helped secure a win. "I believe I can improve a lot. I managed to score, but I wasn't 100 per cent at my best technically," Vinicius said after receiving the man of the match award.

"I can improve that and help Brazil more in attack. I was able to help a lot defensively, where everyone did an impeccable job. We need to improve and keep developing if we want to win the competition."

Morocco struck first though. Brahim Diaz slipped a pass between Brazil's defence and Saibari ran ahead, lifting the ball over goalie Alisson Becker. Brazil bounced back in the 32nd minute. Bruno Guimaraes relayed the ball to Vinicius, who cut in around Neil El Aynaoui and fired a right-footer home. "The pressure of the opening game makes it the most difficult match of the tournament. We had to adapt quickly because we conceded early. We knew it would be complicated because it was an opening match against a team that has been playing together for a long time," said Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti.

92
No. of years since Brazil last lost their World Cup opening match

Four
No. of goal contributions (assists and goals) for Vinicius Junior in five World Cup games

10
No. of goals Vinicius Jr has scored in 50 games for Brazil

ZERO
No. of times Brazil have lost whenever Vinicius Jr has scored a goal

44
No. of goal contributions for Vini Jr in 63 games for Brazil and Real Madrid combined in the last year

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