Scotland manager Steve Clarke has warned his team that Morocco represent an even stronger challenge than the side that reached the 2022 World Cup semi-finals. 'I feel Morocco are a really, really good side. They reached the last four of the last World Cup and I have a feeling this Morocco team is slightly better than that,' Clarke said.
Morocco drew 1-1 with Brazil in their opening match, while Scotland beat Haiti 1-0. Clarke expects the North African side to dominate possession in Friday's Group C clash. 'We are under no illusion about the size of the task. They have power, they have pace, they have little bits of skill that can open up a game.'
Clarke hinted Scotland may deploy a back three to counter Morocco's attacking threat, a formation he tested in March against Ivory Coast. 'We will have to be at our very best to compete,' he said. Scotland's status as Group C leaders after Round 1 provides hope, but Clarke acknowledged that 'sometimes the Scottish psyche and mentality is that we are a little more comfortable when we are the underdog.'
Morocco's strong showing against top-ranked Brazil combined with their improved squad depth since 2022 suggests betting markets may tighten odds against Scotland despite their group leadership.
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