Brazil nearly lost an opening World Cup match for the first time in 92 years. But Vinicius Jr had other ideas.

At MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Morocco shocked the five-time champions in the 21st minute. A mix-up between goalkeeper Alisson Becker and defenders Gabriel and Marquinhos let Ismael Saibari lift the ball over the onrushing Alisson from outside the box. It was the first time an African team had scored against South American opposition at the World Cup — Morocco had failed against Peru in 1970 and Brazil in 1998.

Morocco kept coming. By the 30th minute, they'd fired 12 shots — the most Brazil have faced in a World Cup match since their 2018 clash with Mexico. But they couldn't add a second.

Then Vinicius Jr happened. On his 50th appearance for Brazil, the Real Madrid star collected a pass from Bruno Guimaraes inside the area, cut inside his marker, and lashed a fierce strike past Yassine Bounou. The stadium erupted. It was 1-1 in the 32nd minute.

Brazil almost went ahead before half-time. Lucas Paqueta's acrobatic effort was tipped behind for a corner by Bounou. In the stands, members of Brazil's 2002 World Cup-winning squad — Ronaldo, Kaka, Roberto Carlos — watched on.

After the break, Carlo Ancelotti's side grew into the game. But chances were few. Raphinha came closest, sliding in just inches from connecting with Guimaraes' low cross across the face of goal.

The draw means Morocco's wait for a first-ever opening win at the World Cup continues. But for Brazil, the remarkable streak lives on: they've now gone 92 years without losing their first match at the tournament.

The Streak That Almost Died

Brazil have played in every World Cup since 1930. Their opening match record now stands at 14 wins and six draws. The last time they lost their first game was in 1934, when they fell 3-1 to Spain in a straight knockout round — there weren't any group stages back then.

For Morocco, the result is bittersweet. They dominated large parts of the game but couldn't finish. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi will know his side missed a golden chance to make history against a Brazil team that looked shaky at the back.

Both teams take a point each in what is shaping up to be a tight group. Brazil will need to sharpen up defensively if they want to go deep. Morocco, meanwhile, have shown they can live with the best — a repeat of their 2022 semi-final run isn't out of the question.

Next up for Brazil is a clash with Serbia, while Morocco face Switzerland. Both games are must-wins if either side wants to top the group.