Scotland's World Cup journey continues on Friday as they face Morocco in their second Group C fixture, with the Tartan Army returning to Foxborough hoping to witness further history. Following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Haiti in their opening game, Steve Clarke's side stands on the precipice of securing a place in the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time ever.
A draw or a win against the formidable North African side would effectively assure Scotland of qualification, a monumental achievement for a nation making its first World Cup appearance in 28 years. Even a defeat would not be catastrophic, given their winning start, leaving them well-positioned to potentially advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
However, the challenge posed by Morocco is significantly greater than that of Haiti. Morocco are currently ranked seventh in the world and are the reigning champions of Africa. They reached the semi-finals of the last World Cup and have maintained a strong trajectory since, having not suffered a significant loss since January 2024. Their opening 1-1 draw against Brazil, a performance that showcased their top-tier talent, underscored their ambition and quality.
The encounter also presents an opportunity for Scotland to banish the ghosts of the 1998 World Cup, where their last finals match before this tournament was a 3-0 defeat to Morocco, leading to an early exit. While the current Moroccan side is arguably even stronger, the Scots will be determined to put in a more resilient performance than their predecessors did on that night in Saint-Etienne.
Tactically, manager Steve Clarke may consider adjustments from the 4-4-2 formation used against Haiti. Given the calibre of the opposition, a more compact approach is anticipated. Options include deploying three defenders at the back or strengthening the midfield by introducing players like Ryan Christie or Kenny McLean in place of one of the strikers. If Clarke opts for a single striker, Lyndon Dykes could be in contention for a starting berth. The familiar surroundings of Foxborough, the site of their joyous opening victory, will also be a factor, with the Tartan Army hoping the Boston Stadium continues to be a lucky ground.