Scotland have lost to Morocco 1-0 thanks to Ismael Saibari’s fantastic strike to give the north Africans all three points.
The finish, which occurred just 70 seconds into the match, was the worst possible start for Scotland, who could not find their rhythm.
Steve Clarke’s side improved in the second half but could not find a way past Bono in the Morocco goal, as their second World Cup game ended in defeat.
Referee Ilgiz Tantashev set a precedent in the game by letting many challenges go, which led to Scotland having two strong penalty calls, neither of which was given.
Morocco have beaten Scotland 1-0
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The horrendous start began with Saibari spinning in behind and having acres of space, smashing past Angus Gunn, who had absolutely no chance.
Morocco’s No11 put so much power on the strike that the ball even got caught up in the net.
The north African’s continued to pile on the pressure in the opening exchanges, as Scotland just could not find a way into second gear.
By the time we reached the hydration break, Scotland appeared to have just steadied the ship.
Scotland’s second game in the World Cup ends in defeat
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Neil El Aynaoui lifted one over on the half-hour mark after a brilliant run from Brahim Diaz, which ultimately came to nothing.
Another chance went begging for Morocco as Bilal El Khannous blazed over, but VAR would have likely intervened as it looked like Scott McTominay was fouled in the build-up.
Scotland ended the first half on a really positive note, taking the game to Morocco, which is how they started the second half, too.
Clarke’s side started to dominate possession as they attacked towards the noisy Tartan Army, who were rallying them on.
Ismael Saibari’s goal inside 70 seconds was enough for Morocco to win the match
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REUTERS
John McGinn thought he had won a penalty in the early stages after appearing to be brought down in the penalty area, but Tantashev deemed otherwise.
Straight up Scotland’s end, and Gunn was called into the action, making a brilliant save to deny Bilal El Khannous.
Scotland had numerous calls for fouls and once again complaints for a penalty after McTominay appeared to be brought down, but the referee was unfazed.
With six minutes of stoppage time, Scotland threw the kitchen sink at the Moroccan defence, but could not find a way past Bono in goal, as the game ended 1-0.
The result leaves Scotland anxiously looking at Brazil’s match against Haiti
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Speaking after the game, Scotland’s head coach Clarke told BBC Radio Scotland: “I thought we were good. Terrible start, but the reaction to that was good. We had to dig in for five or 10 minutes just to get our feet in the game.
“Once we were in the game, we showed we could cause them problems. The disappointment would be that we didn’t create the one clear-cut chance that would have got us the point.
“This group of players, this squad, have shown that [resilience] in abundance over the years. They’re in there, their flat, disappointed, but we’ve got another chance.
“Everybody is talking about the Scott McTominay [penalty incident]. I actually looked at the John McGinn one, which was 50-50. Some referees would give it, some don’t. Sometimes VAR will get involved.
“I was a little bit disappointed in the last man foul [from Diop on Adams]. For me, Che might be clear through on goal. On another day, you might get those decisions.
“This team are ready to go again. We’re here to try and do what no Scottish team has done before. We gave it everything tonight, and we’ll try and do it again.”
