Saibari scores – Ismael Saibari scored 72 seconds into the game as Morocco edged Scotland 1-0 at the World Cup on Friday. The early goal kept Morocco’s hopes alive for a second straight knockout-round berth, while Scotland fell just short after late pressure and missed moments
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The match didn’t even settle into its rhythm before Morocco struck. Ismael Saibari found the net just 72 seconds after kickoff, slipping behind two Scotland defenders as Brahim Diaz’s ball dropped over the top into his path.
Saibari gathered and drove the shot into the top left corner, placed well outside the reach of goalkeeper Angus Gunn. By the time Scotland could properly get a foothold, Morocco already had the lead—and the kind that changes how a crowd breathes.
The goal also meant Morocco immediately had something to lean on in a World Cup campaign that has carried real urgency for this group. Morocco. which reached the semifinals at the last World Cup in Qatar. entered the Friday match after drawing 1-1 with Brazil in its Group C opener. Scotland arrived with confidence from its own first outing. having beaten Haiti 1-0. and yet the larger shadow around them stayed the same: Scotland hasn’t gotten out of the group stage in its previous eight World Cup appearances.
Saibari wasn’t just a spark in this game—he’d already been a difference-maker for Morocco. He also scored Morocco’s goal against Brazil.
Morocco nearly stretched the advantage in the 52nd minute. Bilal El Khannouss met Achraf Hakimi’s corner with a header. but the chance was kept alive when Angus Gunn battled the ball down. Scotland, meanwhile, had its moments too, even before halftime. In first-half stoppage time. Andy Robertson delivered a cross toward John McGinn near the back post. but McGinn couldn’t get a foot on it.
As the game tilted toward the end, Scotland pushed hard for an equalizer. Morocco still managed moments that could have finished the contest. Late on, the team had a pair of chances to add to its lead, but both missed the target—leaving the final score at 1-0 and the pressure to the very end.
Morocco’s win keeps its chances alive of advancing to its second straight knockout round, while Scotland’s late surge ends without reward, another reminder of how quickly the margin can vanish at this stage.
World Cup Morocco Scotland Ismael Saibari Angus Gunn Brahim Diaz Bilal El Khannouss Achraf Hakimi Andy Robertson John McGinn
72 seconds is insane. Morocco basically scored before Scotland even woke up.
I swear games like this are rigged somehow. Scotland had chances at the end but then nothing… like the refs just stop caring.
Saibari slipping behind two defenders sounds like a Madden play lol. Also who is Angus Gunn, I didn’t realize he was the keeper til that top-left shot went in.
Morocco winning 1-0 early goal and then just holding on… reminds me of that other World Cup match where the team scored and then started time wasting in the 10th minute. Scotland missed some moments and I’m like okay but did they even try a sub? feels like Scotland always choke in groups, and then people act surprised.