Scotland were left fuming last night as they fell 1-0 to Morocco in a game that could have gone either way – and might still. Manager Steve Clarke felt his team was owed at least one penalty, but VAR's intervention wasn't on their side this time. The decisive goal came just 70 seconds into the match, leaving Scotland scrambling to get back on level terms.
The visitors were dealt a blow with Kieran Tierney going down to cramp just after half-time, but Clarke revealed it was nothing more sinister than fatigue, with Ben Gannon-Doak replacing him. Yet despite their best efforts, Scotland couldn't find the equaliser they so desperately needed – and the Morocco goal stood.
Midfielder John McGinn was adamant he was 'taken out' in one of the key incidents, while Scott McTominay's appeal for a spot-kick was waved away. Clarke refused to go after the officials, but highlighted several moments where Scotland might have got their noses in front – including a challenge on Che Adams that saw Morocco's Issa Diop yellow-carded but not red-flagged.
McGinn reckoned if the penalty had been given on the field, VAR wouldn't have intervened. Clarke concurred, describing the decision as "50/50" and suggesting the video referees wouldn't have changed it even if the referee pointed to the spot. It was a close call that left Scotland feeling they'd been robbed of a crucial chance.
With the win leaving them needing a positive result from their next game against Brazil, Clarke's side know they must create more chances from open play rather than rely on refereeing decisions if they're to stand any chance of advancing from the group stage for the first time in history. But despite the heartbreak of defeat, the Scotland boss was proud of his team's effort – and knew Morocco would be aware that they'd been in a game.