Five-time champions Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco on Saturday, needing a moment of brilliance from Vinicius Junior to salvage a point, as Australia produced one of the standout results of the day with a 2-0 upset over Turkey at the World Cup.
On a busy first day featuring four matches in the expanded 48-team tournament, Qatar also made history by earning their first-ever World Cup point, while Scotland marked their return to the competition after 28 years with a narrow win over Haiti.
At the MetLife Stadium near New York, Morocco took a shock lead against Brazil in their Group C opener when Ismael Saibari finished a flowing move in the 21st minute.
However, Vinicius Junior restored parity shortly after, cutting in from the left and unleashing a powerful strike in the 32nd minute to ensure Brazil avoided defeat in Carlo Ancelotti’s first World Cup match in charge.
Brazil, chasing a record-extending sixth World Cup title 24 years after their last triumph, showed flashes of quality but struggled for consistency.
“It was a tough match, especially at the beginning. The team was a bit anxious,” Ancelotti said. “We didn’t play well, but it’s only the first game and we must not lose confidence.”
Scotland edge Haiti in return after 28 years
In Group C’s other fixture, Scotland returned to World Cup action for the first time since 1998 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Haiti at Gillette Stadium near Boston.
Backed by thousands of travelling supporters from the “Tartan Army,” Steve Clarke’s side secured a nervy but valuable win in their opening match, while Haiti featured in their first World Cup since 1974.
After a rousing rendition of Flower of Scotland, the Scots began strongly and took the lead in the 28th minute when John McGinn’s deflected effort found the net.
“Everyone said it was a must-win game — we won it,” Clarke said, as Scotland celebrated their first World Cup victory since 1990.
Australia stun Turkey in biggest shock of the day
The day’s biggest upset came in Vancouver, where Australia defeated Turkey 2-0 in Group D, producing a disciplined and clinical performance to frustrate one of the tournament favourites.
Coach Tony Popovic’s bold selection decisions paid off, most notably his decision to drop captain and goalkeeper Maty Ryan in favour of debutant Patrick Beach, who delivered a superb performance between the posts.
Turkey dominated possession with 72 percent of the ball and spent long periods in Australian territory, but were repeatedly denied by Beach’s outstanding saves.
Australia struck with efficiency at the other end, opening the scoring through Nestory Irankunda in the 27th minute after Paul Okon-Engstler’s defence-splitting pass.
Connor Metcalfe sealed the win in the 75th minute with a composed finish from distance.
“I’m proud to be here as head coach and proud of this young group,” Popovic said. “We’ve always believed in Patrick Beach, and he showed exactly why today.”
Qatar make history with first World Cup point
Earlier in Group B, Qatar earned a historic 1-1 draw with Switzerland in Santa Clara, California.
Breel Embolo had given Switzerland the lead from the penalty spot in the first half, but a late own goal from Miro Muheim ensured Qatar secured their first-ever point in World Cup history.
“I am very proud of the team,” said Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui. “Even without the result, I would have been proud of their discipline and mentality. But this is a historic moment for us.”
AFP
