Kuching City coach Aidil Shahrin Sahak believes Morocco can shock Brazil in their World Cup Group C opener, citing the South Americans’ defensive weaknesses and lack of star quality.
MOROCCO have every chance of pulling off an upset against Brazil in their opening Group C match of the FIFA World Cup today, according to Kuching City coach Aidil Shahrin Sahak.
The highly anticipated clash at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will mark the start of a new era for Brazil under veteran coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The Singaporean coach believes the South American giants no longer possess the dominance that once made them one of the most feared teams in world football.
Brazil head into the tournament without several key players, including Neymar, Rodrygo and Eder Militao, while Morocco have been boosted by the return of star fullback Achraf Hakimi following a recent injury concern.
Aidil said the current Brazil squad lacks the quality and leadership that defined previous generations, the New Straits Times reported.
“Brazil are not like the teams they were in the past, where they could depend on any players to win matches.
“They are now a mixed side compared to the heydays of having the likes of Rivaldo, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Ancelotti is an experienced coach but their combination play looks lacking,” he was quoted as saying.
He also pointed out Brazil’s defence as a major weakness, citing recent performances where the team struggled to keep opponents at bay.
“They are not a strong defensive side. We have seen their recent match results where they had been conceding goals and lost to France and Japan. They look too exposed when they go out to attack. Collectively they seem lacking,” he said.
On the other hand, Aidil believes Morocco possess the quality, experience and fighting spirit needed to trouble the five-time world champions.
“Morocco look like a team that can hurt opponents. They have a good squad with players like Mazraoui, Hakimi, and Brahim Diaz. I think Bilal is one of the young players on the rise and I think he will be impactful for the team.
“They are an aggressive side and a team of fighters. They are capable of shocking Brazil,” he said.
Aidil added that Brazil’s decline from their former standards is largely due to the absence of elite-level players and experienced leaders in the squad.
“Brazil seem to have lost their aura of invincibility. There’s no proper seniority in the team. They have Grade A players now but before this they had Grade A+ players,” he added.
