Brazil v Morocco Prediction: 11/10 Atlas Lions to deny Selecao

Brazil have not been beaten in their opening World Cup finals game in the last 20 tournaments, but rarely in that time have they pitted their wits against stronger opponents than Saturday's test in New Jersey.

Carlo Ancelotti's side were not convincing in the South American qualification campaign and Morocco, who were crowned the Africa Cup of Nations champions earlier this year, will fancy their chances of another deep run having reached the last four in 2022’s World Cup.

They had a perfect qualification campaign and, while a clash with the Selecao represents a big step up in class, they have the potential to make life difficult for their illustrious opening-game foes.

Brazil v Morocco Tips Summary

Best Bet - Morocco or Draw double chance @ 11/10
Alternative Bet - Ayoub El Kaabi anytime goalscorer @ 7/2
Bet Builder - Both teams to score, Bruno Guimaraes 2+ fouls & Ismael Saibari 2+ shots @ 5/1

Brazil v Morocco Prediction

Best Bet: Morocco or Draw double chance @ 11/10

Brazil are always among the World Cup favourites, but they will have to rely upon Ancelotti's managerial skills to be a threat after a poor qualification campaign.

The Selecao won just eight of their 18 qualifiers and they should not underestimate the challenge provided by Morocco.

The Atlas Lions greatly exceeded expectations as 300-1 shots in Qatar when they got to the semi-finals, something Brazil have done just once since their fifth triumph in 2002.

The champions of Africa, who conceded just twice in their eight qualification games, look to have been underestimated in what looks a difficult-to-call opener.

With both teams expected to see off their other Group C rivals Haiti and Scotland, a draw would not be a disastrous result for either team, so backing Morocco in the double-chance market is an attractive proposition.

Alternative Bet: Ayoub El Kaabi anytime goalscorer @ 7/2

A big season can provide a huge confidence boost for any striker coming into a World Cup and Morocco's Ayoub El Kaabi is just one such player whose morale should be sky-high.

The Olympiakos centre-forward finished at the top of the Greek Super League goalscoring charts with 18 goals last term and he looks set to come into the competition relatively fresh after entering the two most recent friendlies against Madagascar and Norway as a substitute.

However, he was a regular starter in the successful Africa Cup of Nations campaign and he could start a summer to remember by getting on the scoresheet.

Brazil v Morocco Bet Builder Tip

• Both teams to score

• Bruno Guimaraes 2+ fouls

• Ismael Saibari 2+ shots
  

  Pays 5/1

Brazil have struggled to keep clean sheets in their recent outings and they have a team who are capable of having a strong presence as dark horses in the tournament, so there looks a strong chance that both teams will find the net in this one.

Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes has established himself in the centre of the Brazil midfield and he should be expected to be at the heart of the action.

He committed nine fouls in his final three games of the Premier League season, so expect him to be pulled up on at least two occasions at the MetLife.

While El Kaabi looks like the Moroccan's primary goal threat, Ismael Saibari will also look to get in on the act playing just behind the Olympiakos striker.

Saibari scored 15 goals in the Eredivisie for champions PSV Eindhoven last season and had at least two attempts on goal in 14 of his final 15 appearances, so he looks another player who could make a big impression in this Group C opener.

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Key Match Stats

• Both teams have scored in six of Brazil's last seven games

• Brazil's last four games have all featured at least three goals

• Morocco won all eight of their qualifying matches

• Brazil have won 17 and drawn three of their last 20 opening games at the World Cup finals

• Morocco have not conceded a first-half goal in their last 24 games

• The Atlas Lions are unbeaten in their last six games against South American opposition

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.