Morocco beat Scotland with a minimal score and step towards the knockout phase

(Patria) - The Moroccan national football team achieved an important victory in the 2nd round of Group C of the World Cup, defeating Scotland 1-0 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, in front of about 64,000 spectators. With this triumph, the Moroccans have opened the door wide to advancing to the knockout stage of the competition.

The match started like a dream for the African team. After just 70 seconds of play, Brahim Diaz released Bilal El Khannouss with a brilliant pass, who found Ismaila Saibari. The Moroccan attacker ran behind the Scottish defense and beat Angus Gunn with a precise shot to make it 1-0. It was the fastest goal of the tournament so far.

After the early lead, Morocco controlled the pace of the match, but without major chances. El Aynaoui came closest to a second goal in the 30th minute, but his attempt went over the goal.

The Scots created their first serious chance only in stoppage time of the first half. McGinn met the ball at the far post, but failed to gain control and a promising move fizzled out.

At the start of the second half, Morocco threatened again through Saibari, whose shot after a good move by El Khannouss was blocked. In the continuation, the tempo of the game dropped, and attempts by Hakimi and Christie did not change the score.

Scotland's best chance to equalize came in the 86th minute when, after a corner by McGinn, Dykes rose highest, but his header went over the crossbar. In the finish, Morocco missed opportunities through Talbi and Amaimouni to confirm the victory.

Drama was also seen in the final moments of the match. Riad nearly scored an own goal during an intervention, but the ball went for a corner. After the last set piece, Scotland failed to seriously threaten, so Morocco preserved the minimal lead and secured three valuable points.

Morocco will play against Haiti in the final round, while Scotland needs at least a point against the favored Brazil to stay in contention for advancing.