Newcastle United captain under pressure after one World Cup match as Brazil media fume
Brazil were lucky to escape New Jersey with a 1-1 draw in their opening World Cup match against Morocco.
Bruno Guimaraes created the goal that spared Brazil’s blushes in their opening game of the World Cup.
The five-time champions were fortunate to escape with a point at the MetLife Stadium - which will host the final - as Morocco pushed the action from the start. A hectic first-half saw the AFCON champions create several chances before breaking the deadlock through Ismael Saibari.
Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr equalised 11 minutes later against the run of play after a brilliant pass by Guimaraes. Both teams faded in the second period, with Newcastle United’s captain hooked in the closing stages.
The Gazette has launched a WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
Brazil media reaction
Brazilian media were scathing of the performance, with CNN Brasil lambasting the “infantile” defending. Columnist Alicia Klein, working for UOL, slammed the current state of the national side, suggesting Morocco have an equal chance to win the World Cup.
Selecao manager Carlo Ancelotti was peppered with probing questions at the full-time whistle. Scotland lead Group C after beating Haiti 1-0 in Boston last night.
‘Nerves’ - Carlo Ancelotti
Ancelotti highlighted nerves as the reason why his team looked lacklustre in the opening half an hour. He told reporters: "You don’t win a World Cup based on your first match. I think it was a tough match, especially in the first half.
"Maybe the team was a bit anxious, and the nerves were all over the place. The second half was better, but it was still tough, and I'm sure we'll get better. That’s something we’ll have to look into. There’s a lot of pressure. That’s natural. But I think little by little, we’ll also improve in that sense, as well.
“We’re absolutely confident. Not everything goes perfect in football. And when it doesn’t, you have to accept criticism and you have to do better. And that’s what we’ll do.”
Bruno Guimaraes social media message
Posting on Instagram after the game, Guimaraes wrote: “Tough match and complicated debut. We continue looking for evolution, but we are convinced of the work developed! A lot of things ahead. Let's go Brazil.”
Your next Newcastle United read: Hebburn Town boss determined to get former Newcastle United man 'fit and firing'