Scotland chase first knockout spot against Morocco as Group C heats up

What's at stake

Scotland lead Group C after a nervy 1-0 win over Haiti and need only a draw against Morocco on Friday to guarantee a place in the round of 32, a first ever knockout appearance at a major tournament for the men's team. A win would keep Clarke's side top and in pole position to advance as group winners. For Morocco, semi-finalists in Qatar four years ago, defeat would leave them on a single point from two matches and in serious danger of elimination before their final group game against Haiti. The top two from each of the 12 groups plus the eight best third-placed teams progress to an expanded knockout phase.

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi dismissed any lingering euphoria from his team's 1-1 draw with Brazil.

“We cannot forget the Brazil match but we have to switch to Scotland. We have one point and they have three points. Euphoria? No euphoria.”

The Moroccan challenge

Steve Clarke believes the North Africans are stronger than the side that stunned the world in 2022.

“Morocco reached the last four of the last World Cup and I have a feeling this Morocco team is slightly better than that. They have power, they have pace, they have little bits of skill that can open up a game.”

Azzedine Ounahi, the Morocco midfielder, said the squad's ambition is to go further than the 2022 semi-final and that 40 million Moroccans are behind them. He stressed that Friday's match is more important than the Brazil draw because Scotland already have three points.

Scotland's tactical shift

Clarke is expected to abandon the 4-4-2 used against Haiti in favour of a back three or five, with Kieran Tierney possibly deployed at left centre-half to counter Achraf Hakimi's runs from deep. Andy Robertson, Scotland's captain, called Hakimi the best full-back in the world.

“Everyone enjoys watching Hakimi, the freedom he plays with, the way he pops up in your box one second then the next he's back defending in his own.”

Scott McTominay, who struggled with a stomach bug before the Haiti game, is described by Clarke as being "in a good place" and ready to lead the midfield.

Tartan Army invasion

An estimated 50,000 Scotland supporters have taken over Boston over the past week, drinking bars dry and winning over locals. Devon Savage of Boston Beer said the Tartan Army drank four times as much Boston Lager as is typical for the 4th of July weekend, forcing an emergency delivery and selling over 3,000 pints. A Boston football shirt store sold 67 Scotland tops by mid-afternoon on matchday, out-pacing USA shirt sales by nearly 30. "Once the Scots are gone it'll be a day of mourning," store owner Sean Hemenway said. Many videos of kilted fans playing bagpipes and singing at Fenway Park have gone viral.

Key battle and outlook

Robertson's likely direct opponent, Achraf Hakimi, scored against Brazil and will look to exploit any space behind the Scottish defence. Morocco forward Ismael Saibari, who is joining Bayern Munich for a reported £50 million after the tournament, also netted in the Brazil draw. Clarke acknowledged the underdog role suits his side better than the favourite tag that made the Haiti match a struggle.

“Sometimes the Scottish psyche and mentality is that we are a little more comfortable when we are the underdog.”

A stalemate would trigger celebrations almost akin to winning the World Cup itself for a nation that has never before reached a men's tournament knockout round.

Scotland3

Morocco1

Brazil1

Haiti0

Scotland

3 points

Morocco

1 points

Brazil

1 points

Haiti

0 points

Data from the article text