SCOTLAND 0-1 MOROCCO: A goal from Ismael Saibari after just 70 seconds was enough to down Steve Clarke’s side, who felt that they should’ve had two penalties in the second half

Scotland were left ruing a nightmare start against Morocco as they suffered a 1-0 defeat in their second game at the World Cup. But a couple of contentious decisions will no-doubt have the Tartan Army fuming after they were denied a penalty kick on two occasions.

Morocco took the lead inside two minutes, as Ismael Saibari scored the quickest goal of this World Cup so far. Scotland looked shellshocked and had to stave off waves of Moroccan attacks before getting to half-time only one goal adrift.

Steve Clarke’s side huffed and puffed in the second half but couldn’t find an equaliser, although they felt that they should’ve had two penalties. Morocco held on to move top of Group C, with Brazil facing Haiti later on Saturday.

Scotland went into the match having laid solid foundations to reach the round of 32 after claiming a 1-0 win against Haiti in their opener. Morocco, who haven’t lost a game for two-and-a-half years, were coming off the back of an impressive 1-1 draw with five-time winners Brazil – and had experience of playing in the scorching sunshine.

Here are five talking points from Boston.

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1. A nightmare start

Another rousing rendition of Flower of Scotland nearly lasted as long as their clean sheet. Morocco punished some disjointed defending to take the lead with just 70 seconds on the clock, with Saibari blasting his effort past Angus Gunn.

It was all too easy for the African champions, as their striker got in behind after Grant Hanley stepped out from centre-back in attempt to play him offside. Brahim Diaz was once again the provider like against Brazil, Morocco’s subsequent flurry of chances to make it 2-0 suggested that this would be a long evening in the baking heat of Boston.

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2. Scotland narrowly avoid unwanted record

In the first 29 games at this year’s World Cup, only Ghana (versus Panama) had failed to register a shot on goal in the first half. But now the Tartan Army were minutes away from matching that unwanted record.

McGinn’s wayward effort from close range in first-half stoppage time and Kieran Tierney’s blocked shot shortly after gave Clarke encouragement before the break. Although he could credit his side for staying in the game, it was a largely insipid opening 45.

Morocco were comfortable and should’ve been further ahead. Still, Scotland had hope.

3. Double VAR decision leaves Scotland furious

Scotland took their newfound confidence into the second period and went for Morocco. Three minutes after the restart, McGinn squirmed his way past Neil El Aynaoui and went tumbling over inside the box.

Referee Ilgiz Tantashev waved away Scotland’s appeals and VAR concurred, making the kind of quick decision which we’ve become accustomed to this tournament. Replays showed that El Aynaoui didn’t touch the ball but did make contact with McGinn, leaving Scotland’s players and staff – those watching replays from across the pond just after midnight – baffled.

Their anger would’ve increased tenfold had it not been for a good save from Gunn a matter of seconds later, as Morocco looked to respond to being on the back foot. Scotland were furious again in the closing stages, as Scott McTominay went bundling over inside the penalty area, but VAR agreed with the referee’s on-field decision once more.

4. Clarke’s formation conundrum

For much of his reign at Hampden Park, Clarke was wedded to playing a five-man defence. But the Scotland boss switched to a four-man backline following their abject showing at Euro 2024 and has stuck with it all the way to the World Cup.

However, this result will no-doubt spark debate over whether Clarke should revert to his previous setup against Brazil on Wednesday. Morocco’s opener may well’ve been prevented with an extra defender at the back, while we’re yet to see the attacking benefits of the formation change, with Scotland having managed significantly less shots than their opposition in both games.

5. Mighty Morocco send reminder

For all of Scotland’s shortcomings, Morocco were impressive once again. With four points on the board, Mohamed Ouahbi’s team have all but booked their ticket to the knockouts.

Just like under Walid Regragui in Qatar, they’ll provide a stern test for any opposition unfortunate enough to face them. They could well pip Brazil to first place.

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