Scotland faces Morocco in pivotal World Cup match
8 reported
According to a single-source report from BBC News, Scotland is preparing to face Morocco in a World Cup group-stage match that could be the most significant in the nation's 154-year international football history. The game follows Scotland's victory over Haiti in Boston, which was described as their most important match in 28 years. A draw against Morocco would likely send Scotland into the knockout stage for the first time, while even a narrow defeat could be favorable depending on other results. The report notes that Morocco is ranked sixth in the world and has not lost a match in two and a half years, though that streak includes a disputed Africa Cup of Nations final. Scotland manager Steve Clarke is expected to adjust his lineup by adding an extra midfielder to counter Morocco's speed and creativity. The match presents both a major challenge and an opportunity for Scotland to achieve a historic milestone.
What’s reported
Scotland played their most important international match in 28 years against Haiti in Boston.
A draw against Morocco would almost certainly send Scotland into the knockout stage for the first time in history.
Morocco is ranked sixth best international side in the world.
Morocco has not lost a game in two and a half years, though they were defeated by Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations final before being awarded a 3-0 victory after Senegal was sanctioned for walking off in protest.
Morocco drew 1-1 with Brazil, with 12 shots on goal in the first 30 minutes.
Ayyoub Bouaddi, age 18, is described as the breakout star of the tournament, with a current price tag of £61m.
Scotland's Scott McTominay ranked sixth overall in kilometers covered among all nations after one game.
Scotland manager Steve Clarke is likely to drop a striker and bring in an extra midfielder for the Morocco match.
Key figures
Steve Clarke, Scotland manager
Scott McTominay, Scotland player
John McGinn, Scotland player
Robert Gardner, Scotland captain in 1872
Achraf Hakimi, Morocco and Paris St-Germain defender
Ayyoub Bouaddi, Morocco and Lille midfielder
Brahim Diaz, Morocco player
Ismael Saibari, Morocco player
Bilal El Khannouss, Morocco player
Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil head coach
Casemiro, Brazil player
Grant Hanley, Scotland player
Angus Gunn, Scotland goalkeeper
Frantzdy Pierrot, Haiti player
Sources: BBC News
