Scotland's spirited second-half rally was not enough to bring any World Cup joy as they suffered a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Morocco in Foxborough.
After beating Haiti in their Group C opener, Steve Clarke's side needed only a draw against the AFCON champions at the Boston Stadium to all-but guarantee a spot in the knockout stages.
However, Morocco showed why they are ranked sixth in the world, scoring through Ismael Saibari after 70 seconds – the earliest goal Scotland have conceded at a World Cup, on their return to the big stage after 28 years.
Clarke's side rolled with the punches in a mostly one-sided first half but the confidence and composure returned after the break and there were a couple of penalty claims denied. However, despite the impressive turnaround they could not get back on level terms.
Clarke switched up his side by bringing in Nathan Patterson, Kieran Tierney and Ryan Christie for Aaron Hickey, Ben Gannon-Doak and Lawrence Shankland, and moving to a 4-5-1 with Che Adams leading the line.
After beating Haiti in their Group C opener, Steve Clarke's side needed only a draw against the AFCON champions at the Boston Stadium to all-but guarantee a spot in the knockout stages.
However, Morocco showed why they are ranked sixth in the world, scoring through Ismael Saibari after 70 seconds – the earliest goal Scotland have conceded at a World Cup, on their return to the big stage after 28 years.
Clarke's side rolled with the punches in a mostly one-sided first half but the confidence and composure returned after the break and there were a couple of penalty claims denied. However, despite the impressive turnaround they could not get back on level terms.
Clarke switched up his side by bringing in Nathan Patterson, Kieran Tierney and Ryan Christie for Aaron Hickey, Ben Gannon-Doak and Lawrence Shankland, and moving to a 4-5-1 with Che Adams leading the line.
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