Scotland walked into this World Cup as underdogs in a group that includes Brazil and Morocco. After one match, they’re sitting on top of Group C with three points and a clean sheet. But Friday’s clash against Morocco in Boston is shaping up to be the real test of whether this team can hang with the sport’s elite.
Steve Clarke has a problem, and it’s a pretty good one to have. His team just beat Haiti 1-0, but the performance left room for improvement. Now he’s weighing a formation change. Scotland lined up in a 4-4-2 against Haiti. Against Morocco’s high-press and speed on the wings, Clarke is reportedly considering a 5-3-2 or a 4-2-3-1. The goal is simple — don’t get overrun in midfield.
The only injury concern is defender Scott McKenna, who missed training earlier this week with a calf issue. He’s almost certainly out for this one. That likely means Jack Hendry and Grant Hanley start in central defense with Angus Gunn in goal. The backline will need to be sharp. Morocco’s attack isn’t the type you sleep on.
Morocco is riding a 29-game unbeaten streak
Let’s put that number in perspective. Morocco hasn’t lost a match across all competitions since before they won the Africa Cup of Nations in January. They drew 1-1 with Brazil in their opener, and that result felt like a win given how they clawed back into it. They’re confident. They’re healthy. And they’re not changing a thing.
Manager Mohamed Ouahbi is sticking with his 4-3-3. That means Achraf Hakimi bombing forward from right back, Yassine Bounou in goal, and an 18-year-old named Ayyoub Bouaddi pulling strings in midfield. Bouaddi was outstanding against Brazil. The kid looks like he’s been doing this for a decade.
Up front, Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz and Bilal El Khannouss provide width, with Ismael Saibari leading the line. Azzedine Ounahi slots in as the attacking midfielder after starting there against Brazil. Morocco has no fresh injury concerns. They’re in peak form and they know it.
Scotland’s midfield dilemma
John McGinn is the obvious starter after scoring the winner against Haiti. But Lawrence Shankland might be the odd man out if Clarke goes with an extra midfielder. Ryan Christie could get the nod to help combat Morocco’s speed in transition. That means Scotland’s attack would rely on Che Adams up top with a crowded midfield behind him.
It’s a gamble. Scotland is on a three-game winning streak including warm-up wins over Curaçao and Bolivia. They’ve looked sharp. But Morocco is a different animal. The Atlas Lions haven’t lost in 29 matches for a reason.
Scotland’s likely XI: Gunn; Hickey, Hendry, Hanley, Robertson; Gannon-Doak, Ferguson, McTominay, McGinn, Christie; Adams.
Morocco’s likely XI: Bono; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui, Bouaddi; Diaz, Ounahi, El Khannouss; Saibari.
Kickoff is Friday at Gillette Stadium. Winner takes control of Group C. Loser faces a knockout round matchup against one of the group’s heavyweights. No pressure.
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