FIFA WC 2026: Scotland more comfortable as underdog against Morocco, says coach Clarke
Foxborough, June 19
Scotland head coach Steve Clarke believes his side may perform better as an underdog when it takes on Morocco in its second World Cup group match on Saturday at Boston Stadium.
Scotland tops Group C after beating Haiti 1-0 in its opener, which also marked its first World Cup match since 1998 and its first win at the tournament since 1990. One more point would all but secure Scotland's first-ever place in the knockout stage.
"Against difficult opponents, we have to be very good," Clarke said at a press conference, as quoted u Xinhua. "I feel Morocco are really, really good. They reached the semi-finals in the last World Cup and I have a feeling this Moroccan team is probably even better.
Sometimes the Scottish psyche, the Scottish mentality, is that we're a little bit more comfortable when we're the underdogs. We were the favourites against Haiti and we found the game a struggle, but we managed to win. This time we're the underdogs and sometimes Scotland prefer it that way," he added.
Scotland last met Morocco at a World Cup in France in 1998, when a 3-0 defeat saw it eliminated. "We know how difficult it's going to be. We're now playing against one of the best teams in the world. But we also believe that if we perform to our maximum, we can make it difficult for anyone," Scotland skipper Andy Robertson said.
Being able to call upon inspirational captain Robertson, Clarke explained, offers further cause for optimism. "He's a proper leader. He's really important for the dynamic of the group. The players all respect him for what he does on the pitch, but they also respect him for what he does off the pitch. He drives the standards along with the rest of the senior players," Clarke said.
"We're starting to introduce a younger group - the next generation of Scottish footballers - and if they can all look at what Andy Robertson does when he represents his country, then we should be in a good place," he said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Scotland's mentality reminds me of our Indian football team - we always play better when no one expects us to win! 🇮🇳 The way Steve Clarke talks about the Scottish psyche is so relatable. Robertson is definitely a world-class captain. But Morocco are no joke after their semi-final run in Qatar. Should be a cracker of a match!
Respect to Scotland for coming back after 26 years. But let's be real - Morocco are a different beast. African teams have been proving themselves. I remember watching that 3-0 loss in 1998... Clarke needs to sort out the defense if they want to get a result. Bangladesh vs India type situation - you can be underdogs but still need quality. 🤔
Love the underdog narrative but Scotland need to be careful. Morocco are not just a one-hit wonder - they've got genuine quality. Robertson is world-class but Scotland's midfield and attack need to step up big time. Reminds me of when India played Argentina in football - you can't just rely on being comfortable as underdogs, you need a game plan!
As someone who follows both football and cricket, this is so interesting. Scotland have that same spirit our hockey team used to have - punching above their weight. But modern football is about tactics, not just heart. Clarke is right about Robertson though - proper leader. Would love to see Scotland make the knockouts, but Morocco are a different level. Still, you never know in football! 🇮🇳🏴
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