Saibari on target as Morocco clip Scotland

FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts (AP):

Ismael Saibari scored only 72 seconds into the game and Morocco beat Scotland 1-0 at the World Cup yesterday  to keep alive their chances of advancing to their second straight knockout round.

Saibari slipped behind two Scotland defenders and Brahim Diaz dropped the ball over the top to him. Saibari gathered and blasted it into the top left corner of the net, well outside the reach of goalkeeper Angus Gunn.

Morocco, who reached the semi-finals at the last World Cup in Qatar, drew 1-1 with Brazil in their Group C opener. Scotland, who have not gotten out of the group stage in their previous eight previous World Cup appearances, beat Haiti 1-0 in their first match.

Saibari also scored Morocco's goal against Brazil.

Morocco nearly scored another in the 52nd minute when a header by Bilal El Khannouss off Achraf Hakimi’s corner kick was battled down by Gunn.

Scotland had a great chance in first-half stoppage time when Andy Robertson sent a cross at John McGinn, who couldn’t get a foot on it near the back post.

As Scotland pressed for an equalising in the closing minutes, Morocco had a pair of good chances to add to their wide both both missed the target.