Brazil arrived as favourites and left relieved. Morocco, never overawed, took the lead through Ismael Saibari in the 21st minute, Brahim Díaz the creator, and for a spell the weight of expectation looked to be telling on the favourites.

Vinícius Júnior settled them. Eleven minutes later he finished a move started by Bruno Guimarães to make it 1-1, and that was how it stayed — Brazil pressing without ever finding the clean opening their talent promised.

A point apiece is a fair reflection. Morocco, carrying a continent's hopes again, will take real belief from it; Brazil know there is sharper football in them.

Photo: "Vinícius Jr" by All-Pro Reels / CC BY-SA 2.0 — via Wikimedia Commons (source)