Morocco have conceded only four goals in their last 12 internationals (90 mins)
Brazil have failed to win four of their last nine matches
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Brazil and Morocco get Group C underway on Saturday night when they face off at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side have enjoyed some big wins since sealing their qualification, but come into this clash without a clean sheet in five amid some defensive concerns.
Their strength is out wide with Vinicius Junior and Raphinha capable of turning any game on their day, while Morocco will depend on full-backs Ashraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui to keep them bottled up.
The Atlas Lions went further than Brazil in Qatar four years ago, reaching the semi-finals under Walid Regragui, but he stepped down four months ago to be replaced by former Under-20 boss Mohamed Ouahbi.
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Team news
Brazil’s likely starting XI has remained consistent in training throughout the build-up to this clash, with Ancelotti deploying a 4-2-3-1 system featuring Casemiro alongside Bruno Guimaraes in midfield.
Lucas Paqueta operates further forward, behind striker Matheus Cunha with Vinicius Jr and Raphinha out wide.
Alisson has proved his fitness and looks set to start in goal behind a back four of Danilo, Gabriel Magalhaes, Marquinhos and Alex Sandro while Neymar is likely to be eased into the tournament from the bench.
Morocco have been hit by the loss of two potential starters to injury on the eve of the tournament, with defender Nayef Aguerd and winger Abde Ezzalzouli ruled out.
Otherwise, they are in good shape following a smooth transition to the new coach.
Captain Hakimi provides width and thrust from right-back, while Sofyan Amrabat and Azzedine Ounahi form the double pivot that screens the defence.
Further forward, Brahim Diaz operates between the lines as the creative hub and Ayoub El Kaabi leads the line.
The stats
Morocco have kept seven clean sheets in their last 10 matches (90 minutes).
Brahim Diaz has scored or assisted in five of his last seven competitive internationals.
Morocco won all eight of their World Cup qualifiers, scoring 22 times and conceding just twice.
Brazil have not played a competitive match in the last 12 months.
They have won four of their last six World Cup matches against African nations by three clear goals.
All three of Brazil’s group stage matches at the last World Cup featured fewer than three goals.
The latest Brazil vs Morocco odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Match Prediction
While history points to a relatively comfortable win for Brazil, in reality there is not much between these teams any more.
Morocco are ranked seventh in the world by Fifa, one place below Ancelotti’s side, and they have matched Brazil’s results against the likes of Ecuador and Paraguay recently.
Without recent competitive action, Brazil’s attacking patterns may take time to settle, and Morocco are the last team you want to face when still searching for rhythm.
The Atlas Lions’ defensive structure is elite. Their block is compact, disciplined, and extremely difficult to break down. With Hakimi’s recovery pace and Amrabat’s screening, they rarely give up high-quality chances.
This feels like it could be a tight, tactical opener for both these nations, and Morocco’s defensive record makes them appear strong value to at least avoid defeat.
Score prediction: Brazil 1-1 Morocco
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