Five-time winners Brazil need a superb Vinicius Junior equaliser to draw 1-1 with Morocco for their opening game at the World Cup on Saturday as Australia conjure a stunning 2-0 upset of Turkey.
On the first day to feature four matches at the expanded 48-team tournament, Qatar win the first World Cup point in their history when Miro Muheim own goal earn the 2022 tournament hosts a 1-1 draw with Switzerland.
Scotland meanwhile mark their return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence with a nervy 1-0 win over Caribbean minnows Haiti in Foxborough, outside Boston.
The meeting of Brazil and 2022 semifinalists Morocco at the MetLife Stadium just outside New York City promise to be one of the early highlights.
Ismael Saibari run through to give Morocco a 21st-minute lead with a clever scoop in the Group C opener, but Vinicius produce a moment of magic to ensure Brazil come away with a point, cutting in from the left and unleashing a thunderous shot to level on 32 minutes.
Brazil are chasing a record sixth World Cup title, 24 years after last lifting the trophy, but Saturday performance suggest Carlo Ancelotti side have a lot of work to do.
“I think this was a tough match, especially in the beginning. I think the team was a bit anxious and nerves were all over the place,” Ancelotti talk. “We didn’t play well, but we cannot lose heart. This is the first match in the World Cup.”
In Group C other game on Saturday, Scotland – playing for the World Cup for the first time since 1998 – be roared on to a hard-fought win over Haiti, themselves playing for their first World Cup since 1974.
Hordes of Scotland famous “Tartan Army” travelling supporters pack the Gillette Stadium, to watch manager Steve Clarke side claim their first victory in a World Cup game since the 1990 finals in Italy.
After a deafening rendition of “Flower of Scotland”, the Scots start a physical contest on the front foot, and score the game only goal on 28 minutes when midfielder John McGinn deflected shot fly past Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide.
“Everyone said it was a must-win game – we won the game,” Scotland manager Clarke talk, whose team face Morocco on Friday for their second game.
In the shock of the day, Australia send Turkey spinning to a 2-0 defeat for their Group D clash in Vancouver in the late game.
The result be dazzling vindication for Australia coach Tony Popovic, who make the huge call to drop experienced captain and goalkeeper Maty Ryan in favour of rookie shot-stopper Patrick Beach.
Beach repay Popovic faith in him with an unforgettable performance, making save-after-save to deny the Turks, who enjoy 72 percent possession and spend long periods camped in Australian territory.
At the other end, Australia take the few chances that come their way with clinical precision, the goals coming from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe.
Another of Popovic selection calls also prove to be inspired, with Paul Okon-Engstler – starting in place of vice-captain Jackson Irvine – setting up Irankunda opener in the 27th minute.
Metcalfe make the game safe for the Australians with an individual strike in the 75th minute.
“Proud to be here as head coach, to experience this,” Popovic talk afterwards, before praising the contribution of inexperienced goalkeeper Beach.
“It’s something that we’ve always seen, and I’ve got a lot of belief in the young man. He stood up today, so very happy for him,” Popovic add.
Earlier, Switzerland take the lead against Qatar in Santa Clara, California in Group B when Breel Embolo convert a first-half penalty, but Muheim injury-time own goal secure a share of the spoils.
“I am very proud of the team,” Qatar Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui talk. “I told them that even if we hadn’t scored the goal and didn’t draw I would have been proud of the mentality and discipline that they showed today. But fortunately we scored and that was history.”
