Scotland's defender Andrew Robertson (R) congratulates Scotland's midfielder John McGinn (L) on the pitch after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualification football match between Scotland and Austria at Hampden Park in Glasgow on March 25, 2021. - The game finished 2-2. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Scotland are chasing history in Boston tonight, taking on Morocco in a World Cup group stage match that could define a generation of Scottish football.
Steve Clarke’s side need a result to stand any chance of reaching the knockout stages for the first time ever in either a World Cup or European Championship.
The Scotland starting XI features Angus Gunn in goal, with Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney, Grant Hanley, Jack Hendry, and Nathan Patterson in defence.
John McGinn, Scott McTominay, and Ben Doak’s presence among the substitutes gives Scotland options from the bench as the match develops.
Morocco drew first blood with a sublime early finish from Saibari, described as the quickest goal at the World Cup so far in this tournament.
Ally McCoist, speaking pitchside in Boston, captured the mood perfectly before kick-off, saying “we’ve never made it out of the group in a Euros or a World Cup” and calling this “an opportunity to change Scottish football history.”
Steve Clarke explained his team selection by pointing to freshness, saying “a few rotations just to freshen it up” and adding that Morocco “will be in the last four again” and represent a massive challenge.
Chris Sutton, speaking to the BBC, predicted a draw for Scotland, noting that “eight of the 12 third-placed teams will qualify” meaning an absolute hammering must be avoided above all else.
Goalkeeper Angus Gunn produced the first moment of real quality from a Scotland player, making a crucial stop to deny Hakimi as Morocco pressed for a second goal.
McTominay has been largely anonymous so far, with correspondents inside the Boston Stadium describing him as invisible at a moment Scotland desperately need their star man to step forward.
Pep Guardiola, described as fresh off ten years at Manchester City, is reportedly in attendance watching proceedings, adding a touch of global star power to the occasion.
There are 609 caps across the Scotland starting XI tonight, which according to Opta represents the most ever for a match in Scotland’s history.
The Tartan Army arrived in magnificent voice, with their rendition of Flower of Scotland described by those present as genuinely spine-tingling and one that will stay with them for life.
Scotland must now find a way back into this contest, with Tierney showing encouraging signs by driving forward and winning a free-kick deep in the Morocco half late in the first half.
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