Saibari scores after 71 seconds as Morocco edges Scotland 1-0 in World Cup group stage

Ismael Saibari's early thunderbolt proved decisive as Morocco beat Scotland 1-0 in front of 64,146 fans in Foxborough, moving to four points in Group C. The PSV Eindhoven forward, who already netted in the opening 1-1 draw with Brazil, lashed a right-footed shot past Angus Gunn barely a minute into the match, the fastest goal Scotland have ever conceded at a World Cup.

Fast start, slow burn

Scotland, appearing at their first World Cup in 28 years, were rocked by the goal timed at 70 seconds. Brahim Diaz, the Real Madrid midfielder, played a long ball behind the hesitant Scottish defence, releasing Saibari, who took a touch before hammering the ball high into the net. The strike continued a remarkable tournament for the 25-year-old, who completed a medical with Bayern Munich during the week and is expected to join for around €55 million.

Missed chances keep it tight

Morocco could have extended their lead but wasted several good opportunities. Bilal El Khannouss curled over from a promising position, Neil El Aynaoui flashed a shot over the bar, and Saibari himself missed another chance early in the second half. Scotland, largely outplayed before the break, improved after the interval and threw everything forward in the closing stages, with Scott McTominay hitting the side netting in the 85th minute.

Penalty shouts and refereeing complaints

Scotland felt aggrieved by two incidents that were not referred to VAR. Neil El Aynaoui's challenge on John McGinn inside the area and a tangle with McTominay both prompted loud appeals, but Uzbek referee Ilgiz Tantashev was unswayed. Issa Diop escaped with only a yellow card after pulling back Che Adams when the striker was potentially through on goal, drawing furious reactions from the Tartan Army.

Hakimi booed amid legal storm

Away from the action, Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi was loudly jeered by sections of the crowd whenever he touched the ball. Hours before kick-off, a French court confirmed that the Paris Saint-Germain defender must stand trial over a rape allegation dating from 2023, a charge he denies. The off-field controversy added an extra layer of tension to an already charged evening.

Group outlook

With four points, Morocco are virtually assured of a place in the round of 32. They face Haiti in their final group match, while Scotland, still on three points, must take on Brazil. A draw against the South Americans would significantly boost their hopes of reaching the knockout stage for the first time in their history.

“We didn't start well; conceding so early was a psychological blow, but the second-half response gives us something to build on.”