Scotland arrive in the United States buzzing from a 1‑0 win over Haiti, their fifth World Cup victory and first since 1990. The Tartan Army’s celebrations in Boston have turned into a business‑like focus as manager Steve Clarke prepares his squad for Friday’s clash with Morocco. A point against the North‑African side would hand the Scots a historic knockout berth.

Scotland’s last three World Cups ended on goal‑difference heartbreak – 1974, 1978 and 1982 – leaving a scar that still haunts the camp. Clarke insists permutations matter only to pundits, not players. Captain Andy Robertson vows to become the first Scottish skipper to reach the last‑16, while full‑back Ryan Christie called sharing a Messi viewing “surreal”. The memory fuels their resolve ahead of the decisive encounter.

Morocco arrive as a seventh‑ranked side boasting €55 million striker Ismael Saibari, full‑back Achraf Hakimi and 18‑year‑old Ayyoub Bouaddi, who impressed against Brazil. Clarke may swap formations, possibly deploying a 4‑2‑3‑1 to bolster attacking options. If Scotland execute a tighter, more clinical game, Friday could finally convert festival fever into a knockout breakthrough. A win would cement Scotland’s first ever historical progression beyond the group stage.