Morocco edged closer to the World Cup Round of 32 with a crucial 1-0 victory over Scotland at Gillette Stadium. Despite a large turnout of Scotland supporters, Morocco started strong. Ismael Saibari scored within 69 seconds, unleashing a powerful shot past Angus Gunn.
Saibari and Brahim Diaz led Morocco to a dominant first half. Scotland rallied after the break, but could not capitalize. They appealed strongly for a penalty when John McGinn was fouled, but the referee waved it off.
Scotland fans are now headed to Miami to watch their team face Brazil. Morocco takes on Haiti in Atlanta.
The Athletic’s prediction model now shows Morocco with over a 99 percent chance of advancing. Scotland’s chances remain at 72 percent, even with a potential loss to Brazil.
In this expanded 48-team World Cup, the top two teams from each of the 12 groups advance, along with the eight best third-placed teams. Morocco leads Group C with four points, while Scotland follows with three. Brazil plays Haiti next, but the results won’t affect Morocco’s standing today.
Moroccan Captain Hikami Faces Booing from Scotland Fans
Morocco’s captain Achraf Hakimi faced booing from Scotland fans at almost every touch of the ball. This intensified during a corner kick in the 20th minute and a collision with Kieran Tierney in the 39th minute.
Hakimi faces trial on rape charges related to a February 2023 incident. He denies wrongdoing and expressed his eagerness for a trial in a statement before the match.’
Saibari’s Remarkable Goal Scoring
Ismael Saibari continues to impress with stunning goals. Against Brazil, he scored a beautiful chip assisted by Brahim Diaz. Against Scotland, Saibari’s touch and finish highlight why Bayern Munich intends to sign him from PSV.
His goal was assisted by Diaz, exploiting a gap in Scotland’s defense and delivering a fierce finish past the goalkeeper.
Scotland’s Missed Penalty Call
Scotland struggled to create chances. As the game progressed, their expected goals reached only 0.2. They needed every opportunity they could get.
In the 48th minute, John McGinn was brought down by Issa Diop, but the referee declined Scotland’s strong penalty appeals. Despite the incident, play continued without a review. However, similar incidents like a handball against Grant Hanley during the Haiti match also went unpunished.
Scotland’s Prospects
In a unique group stage format, Scotland’s narrow loss doesn’t feel disastrous. “Don’t get humped,” said Steve Clarke before the opening match, and the team achieved that goal.
Their goal entering the tournament was to reach the knockout stage. With Morocco and Brazil ranked globally, beating Haiti became essential. Scotland’s loss to Morocco left them with three points and level goal difference. Achieving four points with a draw in Miami would virtually ensure their progression.
The Athletic’s model estimates that a 2-0 defeat to Brazil, leaving a -2 goal difference, offers a 72 percent chance of advancing. Scotland would have accepted such odds before the tournament, understanding that a loss isn’t necessarily elimination.
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