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Morocco's Atlas Lions aim for decisive World Cup 2026 victory against Scotland
via Le Matin3 min read
Morocco's national football team, the Atlas Lions, will play their second group stage match of the 2026 World Cup against Scotland on Friday. This game is a rematch of the 1998 World Cup and is crucial for Morocco to secure a spot in the round of 16. Under coach Mohamed Ouahbi, the team aims to build on their draw against Brazil with a victory against the "Tartan Army." A win would give Morocco four points before their final group stage match against Haiti, avoiding last-minute calculations. The team has prepared meticulously in their New Jersey base, focusing on physical recovery and refining offensive tactics to counter Scotland's potential low block. Key players like Achraf Hakimi and rising talents such as Ayyoub Bouaddi are expected to contribute. Scotland, led by Steve Clarke, enters the match with confidence after a 1-0 victory over Haiti, their first World Cup win since 1998, placing them temporarily at the top of Group C. Scotland's strengths include a rigorous defensive organization and a physically strong midfield, but they showed a lack of technical control and creativity against Haiti. Historically, Morocco and Scotland have met once before in the World Cup, in 1998, where Morocco won 3-0. However, both teams were eliminated after Norway's surprise victory over Brazil. This match in Boston offers Scotland a chance for revenge and Morocco an opportunity to confirm their dominance and advance in the tournament.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Matin.
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