However, it was a sobering evening for Scotland and their army of fans, who have taken over Boston during this World Cup, as their team never really tested Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. The laboured 1-0 win over Haiti in their opening game at the same stadium last weekend – their first victory at a World Cup since 1990 – gave them a platform to build on and reason to believe they could progress beyond the group stage at a World Cup for the first time.
Another win here would have secured progress from Group C, but their chances of going further remain up in the air ahead of their next match against Brazil in Miami next Wednesday. Morocco, whose captain Achraf Hakimi started hours after it was confirmed he must stand trial in France on rape charges, face Haiti in Atlanta next. Scots lack cutting edge Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi went with an unchanged starting line-up following the Brazil clash, but opposite number Steve Clarke made three changes. Clarke sought
to reinforce his defence, meaning striker Lawrence Shankland dropped out as defender Kieran Tierney came into the side to make a back five. But that was of little use as Morocco went ahead practically from kick-off. The assist came from Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz and Grant Hanley played Saibari onside as the latter latched onto the ball over the top, controlled it and rifled high into the net. Morocco, who defeated Scotland 3-0 when the teams met at the 1998 World Cup, threatened to overrun
their opponents every time they got forward but were wasteful, with Bilal El Khannouss squandering a good chance on 36 minutes. Scotland were as stodgy in attack as they have been for a long time, and it took until first-half stoppage time for them to create anything dangerous.
Morocco Scotland 1-0 Saibari Boston Brazil Miami World Cup Group C Yassine Bounou Achraf Hakimi Mohamed Ouahbi Steve Clarke Kieran Tierney Lawrence Shankland Brahim Diaz Grant Hanley Bilal El Khannouss