Brazil collapse with a 2-1 loss to Morocco in their first game since the disappointing World Cup in Qatar

MOROCCO stunned Brazil 2-1 on Saturday as the North African nation continued to ride the wave after an impressive World Cup.

Disappointing quarter-finalists Qatar, Brazil, also picked up where they left off by suffering their first defeat by Morocco.

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Andrey Santos, who joined Chelsea in January but was loaned out to Vasco da Gama after being refused a work permit, made his international debut.

And the 18-year-old shone in the middle of Tangier’s park despite the defeat.

Elsewhere, Manchester United were involved because of Casemiro and Antony, Tottenham right-back Emerson Royal and West Ham playmaker Lucas Paqueta for Brazil.

Meanwhile, Hammers defender Nayef Aguerd and Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech both started for Morocco.

Ex-Southampton star Sofiane Boufal put Morocco ahead after 29 minutes by scoring with a powerful spin and shot from a Bilal El Khannous pass.

But Red Devils ace Casemiro continued his impressive club form on the international stage.

The Brazil captain equalized in the 67th minute when his feeble shot was thwarted by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Sampdoria midfielder Abdelhamid Sabiri on loan then struck the winning goal in the 79th minute as Morocco showed that reaching the World Cup semi-finals was no fluke.

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Although only ten of the 23-man squad that took Brazil to Qatar traveled to Morocco for the game, the injured Neymar was absent.

Brazil coach Tite resigned after losing the World Cup quarter-finals to Croatia while Ramon Menezes currently serves as gaffer.

And after the friendly defeat on Saturday, Casemiro said: “I wouldn’t say that we lacked understanding, it’s about putting into practice the ideas of a new coach.

“I think we played a good game and did everything to win.”

Brazil hope to appoint a new permanent coach before qualifying for the 2026 World Cup begins in September.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly her first choice.

However, he should only make a decision about his future at the end of the season.