ALEX CROOK PREVIEW: Scotland v Morocco

Scotland got their World Cup campaign off to a triumphant start by beating minnows Haiti 1-0 in Boston to pick up their first victory on this stage in 36 years, writes ALEX CROOK.

Steve Clark’s men return to action on Friday night as they face Morocco in Foxborough, knowing a positive result is likely to secure them a place in the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time iIn their history.

Picking up three points in their opening game was a big moment for Scotland and their long-suffering fans but this is a much stiffer examination against a Morocco team that reached the semi-finals four years ago.

The African nation also held Brazil to a draw. In their first match so confidence will be high as they attempt to claim top spot in the group.

While the Tartan Army could bask in the glory of a rare World Cup win, their performance was far from dominant.

In fact, Haiti had more shots and a bigger expected goal number so it is not too harsh to say. that against a better side Clarke’s team would have been beaten.

Morocco can no longer be considered dark horses after what they achieved in Qatar and they are the champions of Africa, albeit controversially so based on what we saw against Brazil, it would not be a surprise if they were to go deep into the draw again.

Clarke went with a 4-4-2 formation against Haiti, knowing the importance not only of putting a win on the board but that goal difference could be key to ensuring his team are here past the group stage.

It would not be a surprise to see the natural pragmatist go back to a more defensive approach this time around and against Brazil in their final game.

I just did not see enough from Scotland in the Haiti game to suggest they can upset a very decent opposing team so Morocco to win at 3/4 with starsports.bet appeals a lot.

Scotland will have to defend much better than they did in their first game otherwise Morocco could run riot.

With Morocco expected to dictate possession, their flying full-back, PSG star Achraf Hakimi should get plenty of opportunities to get forward.

Hakimi always poses a goal threat and is 17/4 with starsports.bet to score at any time.

I also like over 1.5 goals in the game and over 8.5 corners which is available at 13/8 with starsports.bet.

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