Morocco fly out of the blocks to dent spirited Scotland's World Cup hopes

Morocco showed why they are ranked sixth in the world but Scotland grew into the contest

Morocco's Ismael Saibari scoring the opening goal during the FIFA World Cup Group C match at the Boston Stadium, Foxborough. Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire. 

World Cup Group C: Morocco 1 Scotland 0

Scotland’s spirited second-half rally was not enough to bring any World Cup joy as they suffered a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Morocco in Foxborough.

After beating Haiti in their Group C opener, Steve Clarke’s side needed only a draw against the AFCON champions at the Boston Stadium to all-but guarantee a spot in the knockout stages.

However, Morocco showed why they are ranked sixth in the world, scoring through Ismael Saibari after 70 seconds – the earliest goal Scotland have conceded at a World Cup, on their return to the big stage after 28 years.

Steve Clarke’s side rolled with the punches in a mostly one-sided first half but the confidence and composure returned after the break and there were a couple of penalty claims denied. However, despite the impressive turnaround they could not get back on level terms.

Scotland could still reach the last 32 if they finish on three points but a draw against Brazil in Miami next week would significantly boost their chances of a first-ever appearance in the knockout stage.

Their performance after the break against Morocco will bolster confidence that was bereft in the first half.

Clarke switched up his side by bringing in Nathan Patterson, Kieran Tierney and Ryan Christie for Aaron Hickey, Ben Gannon-Doak and Lawrence Shankland, and moving to a 4-5-1 with Che Adams leading the line.

Tierney was pushed left in midfield but the tactical and personnel tweaks went out the window when Morocco scored with barely a minute played.

A long ball from Brahim Diaz found PSV’s Saibari running clear of the hesitant Scotland defence and he took a touch before lashing the ball past helpless keeper Angus Gunn from 14 yards.

Scotland reeled from the blow. Diaz and then Neil El Aynaoui missed a cross from Azzedine Ounahi, who again found space down Scotland’s right flank, before Gunn had to make a crucial save from Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi, who got his foot in front of defender Grant Hanley following another fine pass from Diaz.

El Aynaoui flashed a shot over the bar from the edge of the box just before the half-hour mark after being set up by Diaz and then Bilal El Khannouss, with plenty of space, carelessly curled the ball over with just Gunn to beat.

A late first-half flurry saw midfielder John McGinn fail to connect sweetly with a cross from Andy Robertson and the ball flew behind.

The Scots appeared to remonstrate with Uzbekistan referee Ilgiz Tantashev at half-time and Scotland were less than happy when the official ignored a penalty claim soon after the break as El Aynaoui sent McGinn tumbling in the box.

Moments later, Saibari’s deflected strike hit woodwork and then Gunn made a great reaction save from an El Khannouss header.

A decent Scotland move down the left in the 63rd minute ended with Christie driving over.

In the 76th minute there was a minute’s applause from the Tartan Army in tribute to fan Donny Strathie, 76, who died in Boston on Sunday.

In the 81st minute there was another penalty claim ignored when Scott McTominay was tackled by El Aynaoui inside the box.

The Napoli midfielder and substitute Lyndon Dykes caused further problems but Scotland ran out of time – but not hope.