World Cup 2026: Carlo Ancelotti, Vinicius Junior react to ‘anxious’ Brazil display in opener - ‘Nerves were all over the place’

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Manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted that his Brazil side felt "nerves" during their opening match at the 2026 World Cup, a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Morocco on Saturday.

'He grants me a lot of freedom' - Vinícius says playing under Ancelotti gives him 'peace of mind'

Video credit: SNTV

The five-time winners were second best for the majority of the game in New Jersey, often being overrun by a more energetic Morocco team.

The African champions took the lead through a deft chip from Ismael Saibari in the first half, assisted by an incisive Brahim Diaz pass through the heart of a static Brazil defence.

But the South Americans did level minutes later, largely against the run of play, through a piece of individual brilliance from Vinicius Junior.

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Brazil failed to create many other clear openings after drawing level, often being outplayed by Morocco and lacking the physicality across the pitch to compete with a younger, more dynamic side.

They are facing pressure to produce a deep run at this year's tournament, having not won the World Cup since 2002, and being eliminated in the quarter-finals in the last two editions.

Afterwards, Ancelotti, leading a team at the World Cup for the first time, said that his side will improve as the tournament develops.

"I think this was a tough match, especially in the beginning," the Italian told reporters. "The team was anxious, nerves were all over the place, didn't keep a lot of ball possession.

"In the second half, we did a bit better, but it was still tough, and I think the team will do better in the next match."

Vinicius' moment of magic papered over the cracks of a poor Brazil performance, with numerous players looking off the pace in their World Cup opener.

Casemiro and Roger Ibanez were hooked at half-time after picking up sloppy yellow cards in the first 45 minutes, while Bruno Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta also failed to have an impact.

In the forward line, Barcelona's Raphinha was mostly ineffective, and Brentford's Igor Thiago missed the one big chance he had, unable to connect with a close-range header which would have given Brazil the lead.

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And Ancelotti said a first game at a tournament does not have to define Brazil's outlook in North America.

"We can't lose our confidence, because everything can happen in the first match. We can't think the team is perfect with just the first match," he said.

"This result is not bad, and we will try harder in the next match. The World Cup is not won with just the first match."

Vincius' moment of magic meant that Brazil extended its unbeaten streak in World Cup openers to 21, since losing to Spain in 1934.

Brazil are in Group C alongside Scotland and Haiti, with Scotland prevailing 1-0 over the Haitians later on Saturday. They will next play Haiti on Friday, and Vinicius echoed his manager's sentiment, stressing the need to improve.

"I believe I can still improve a lot," the Real Madrid forward said. "I managed to score a goal, but I wasn't quite at my technical best.

"I think I can improve in that area, and contribute more to the attack, though I was able to help a lot on defence as well - where everyone did an impeccable job.

"As I said before, we need to improve and evolve, because we’ll need to play better to win the competition."

Scotland's victory means that Brazil sit third in Group C after the first round of fixtures, with the Clarke's side topping the group.

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