Scotland are up and running at the World Cup, and attention has already turned to the next big question being searched by supporters: who do Scotland play next?
Steve Clarke’s side opened their Group C campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Haiti, with John McGinn’s first-half goal enough to seal three massive points in Boston.
It was not always convincing, but at a World Cup, the result is everything. Scotland got the job done, moved onto three points, and now face a much tougher test in their second group match.
Scotland vs Morocco Kick Off
Scotland play Morocco next on Friday, June 19, with kick-off at 11pm UK time.
The match will take place at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, the same venue where Scotland began their campaign against Haiti. TV listings have the match down for ITV and UTV, with coverage beginning at 10pm.
Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston are both part of the Scotland squad. Neither got a run out against Haiti but could be called upon for the Morocco game as legs start to tire.
Tierney returned to Celtic last summer and remains one of the biggest names in the national team setup. His experience, defensive quality and ability to play on the left side of a back three or at full-back gives Clarke a major option as the tournament progresses.
Ralston, meanwhile, has been a trusted Scotland squad player for some time. The Celtic right-back has never let his country down when called upon.
The Morocco match already looks huge.
Brazil and Morocco drew 1-1 in their opening Group C fixture, meaning Scotland’s win over Haiti put them in a strong early position. However, the group is far from settled.
Morocco reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup and remain one of the strongest sides outside the traditional European and South American giants. They will be a serious step up from Haiti.
Scotland then finish the group stage against Brazil on Wednesday, June 24, again at 11pm UK time. That means the Morocco fixture could be crucial in deciding whether Clarke’s men are fighting for qualification, top spot, or a tense final-night result against one of world football’s biggest names.
After waiting so long to get back to this stage, Scotland have already given the Tartan Army a night to remember.
Now comes the real test.
