Brazil will kick off their World Cup campaign with a match against the surprise package of the last tournament – the Morocco national team. This clash makes this top-of-the-table Group C fixture in New Jersey one of the most intriguing matches of the group stage.
Brazil national football team
Brazil have not suffered a single defeat in their last 20 opening World Cup matches (17 wins, 3 draws).
In their last four matches, the Brazilians have averaged 1.5 goals per game after the 75th minute.
The team has always been considered attacking. This time, the squad is no different from previous tournaments and is star-studded, but ineffective.
Neymar, by all accounts, is recovering well from his calf injury and may be fit to play again. It is his return that is causing the biggest stir among fans.
Morocco national football team
Morocco have not conceded a goal in the first half in their last 24 matches. The African side have never won their opening match at a World Cup.
Moroccans Abde Ezzalzuli and Nussair Mazraoui picked up injuries in the match against Norway, so their participation in the game is in doubt.
Prediction for the Brazil v Morocco match
Both teams are in the top 10 of the FIFA world rankings, so the match could be a tight affair – hence it is worth betting on a draw at half-time. Overall, the teams are capable of producing a high-scoring game.
Over 2.5 goals
