Ancelotti urges patience as Brazil make slow World Cup start

Carlo Ancelotti urged patience after Brazil opened their World Cup campaign with an unconvincing 1-1 draw against Morocco in New Jersey. The five-time champions fell behind to an Ismael Saibari strike and risked losing their first tournament opener since 1934 before Vinicius Junior rescued a point with a superb finish. Ancelotti admitted his side looked anxious early on and failed to meet expectations, but stressed that no team wins a World Cup based on its first match.

The Italian backed Vinicius to lead the attack throughout the tournament, even once Neymar returns from injury, praising the Real Madrid star’s threat and confidence. Vinicius, however, lamented Brazil’s sluggish start and insisted the team must improve quickly in a competition where no match is easy.

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi praised his team’s performance, while coach Mohamed Ouahbi felt they could have taken more from the game.