Scotland 0-1 Morocco – World Cup result as very early Ismael Saibari goal puts dampener on Tartan Army dream

Scotland fell to a 1-0 loss against Morocco on matchday two in Group C, leaving their knockout hopes in the balance heading into their final game, against Brazil.

Morocco were straight out of the traps when Ismael Saibarri scored within 70 seconds to give his side the advantage.

Scotland were understandably rattled by the goal and floundered in the first half, while Morocco dominated possession and had the most chances. However, they lacked the finish necessary to consolidate on their early goal.

It was a brighter second half for the Scots, who were able to quell any ambitions of further rebellion by Morocco to stay in the game, but could not come up with the goods to equalise.

Scotland may feel hard done by not to have been awarded a penalty in the second half when Neil El Aynaoui put his leg across Scott McTominay to take him down in the box, though the referee was unmoved.

Scotland next face Brazil, whom a point against may be enough to keep them in the tournament, though their chances rapidly diminished in tonight’s defeat.

Speaking on ITV, Former Scotland Striker Ali McCoist said:

They played a much better second half against Morocco, who were arguably the ones to beat in this group.

Well, Brazil take on Haiti tonight which will give us a better picture of what happens next, but you’d probably have to say Morocco were through on the basis of the victory tonight, though Scotland likely have a little further to go.

That's the whistle, and it's all over. Or is it... Scotland lose 1-0 to Morocco.

One last throw of the dice for Scotland with a corner, Ferguson takes it but it doesn't connect and is promptly cleared.

Meanwhile...

Patterson and McGinn are coming off now and are replaced by Ralston and Stewart. Ounhahi is replaced by El Mourabet for Morocco.

Scott McTominay takes a tumble in the area, hard to see exactly what's happened there. He wants a penalty, but the referee says no.

Scotland are moving with a bit more intention, now. That early goal is a shame for them, because it would be hard to say Morocco had shone particularly in this game. It may now be too little too late.

The Tartan Army are showing their appreciation for fan, Donny Strathie, from Grangemouth, who sadly collapsed in Boston on Sunday and died while fulfilling a World Cup dream.

Gannon-Doaks collides at speed with the goalie as he makes a charge, both men are thrown into the air then onto the pitch.

McLean and Dykes come on now as Adams and Christie make way.

Andy Robertson is booked for hauling down Hakimi.

Gannon-Doak is coming on to replace Tierney.

Scotland have done well to stay in the game, so far. They were obviously rattled by the early goal, but they're putting a bit more pressure on now and have made some good defensive interventions.

Ferguson looks pretty hard done by when the ref elects not to give him anything after he's hauled down by Bouaddi. I mean, it ispretty much exactly what he just did to Hakimi.

Having been wandering around with a bloodied tissue in his mouth, earlier, El Aynaoui has the shirt literally ripped off his back - well, front - now. Hendry gave it a little tug, but it didn't loo like much - what on earth was that shirt made from?

Play is delayed while another look is taken at a foul on John McGinn just inside the box, it does look a little iffy, I'm not sure he got the ball, but the referee says no, no case to answer.

Morocco are the highest ranked African side in the tournament, but who will go the furthest? Cast your votes...