FIFA World Cup 2026: Morocco's display against Scotland better than Brazil draw, says coach Ouahbi
Foxborough, June 20
Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi hailed his side's performance in the 1-0 FIFA World Cup 2026 victory over Scotland, saying it was an improvement on their impressive display against Brazil in the opening group-stage match.
Morocco secured a crucial win in Group C on Friday after Ismael Saibari scored in the second minute, netting after just 71 seconds to register the fastest goal of the tournament at that point. The North Africans then produced a disciplined display to hold off Scotland and move to four points from two matches.
Despite earning praise for their 1-1 draw against Brazil in their World Cup opener, Ouahbi felt his team showed greater control and efficiency against Scotland.
"We controlled the whole game and, in terms of efficiency, I saw it as actually better than the first game," Ouahbi said after the match, according to Reuters.
"I see it as progress compared to the first game. So in the end, we are happy with the result; we wanted three points, and we got them. That was the main objective," he said.
Morocco dominated large phases of the contest but were unable to add a second goal, allowing Scotland to push forward in the closing stages in search of an equaliser.
"I believe we controlled the game, but when you don't score a second goal, obviously, we have to defend because Scotland had a very intense approach with very long balls. But I couldn't be happier with the performance," he added.
The match was also overshadowed by the ongoing legal case involving Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi. The defender faced jeers from sections of the crowd after a French appeals court confirmed he would stand trial in a rape case. Hakimi has denied the allegation.
Ouahbi, however, insisted the issue had not affected either the player or the squad.
"Hakimi was extraordinary. He had a very strong game, so we're very relaxed, and he's especially relaxed," the coach said.
With four points from two matches, Morocco are well placed to advance to the knockout stage but have not yet secured qualification mathematically. Their final Group C fixture is against Haiti in Atlanta on Wednesday.
Ouahbi said Morocco would continue to target victories rather than rotate heavily for the final group game.
"The objective will be to win the game and hopefully be number one in the group. So I'm going to field the best team possible, based on how physically ready the players are," he concluded.
Morocco opened their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Brazil before defeating Scotland 1-0 to strengthen their chances of progressing to the next round.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Hackles raised about the Hakimi situation – why is the media focusing on that when he's innocent until proven guilty? The player gave a stellar performance and the coach is backing him. Let the courts decide, not the crowd. Indian fans know all too well how media trials can ruin careers before justice is served.
As an Indian who follows world football closely, I have to say Morocco's journey is inspiring. They are showing that Asian and African teams can genuinely compete with established powers. The quick goal was beautifully executed – reminds me of how clinical we need Indian football to become. Hoping Morocco goes deep! 🏆
Scotland gave it a good fight but Morocco deserved the win. However, I think the coach is slightly overrating this performance over the Brazil draw. Holding Brazil is massive, and though they controlled this game, Scotland had chances at the end. Still, 4 points from 2 games is excellent. India should study Morocco's system – organized defense with quick transitions.
In India, we know all about underdog stories. Morocco is writing a new chapter for African football. The way they defended the lead was proper 'naagin dance' – frustrating for Scotland. But need to be more clinical upfront, this 1-0 lead is always dangerous. Hope they finish top of the group! 🇮🇳🤝🇲🇦
This Moroccan team has such grit – reminds me of watching underdogs rise in cricket. The Hakimi booing is completely unnecessary. He's one of the best right-backs in the world and the case hasn't been proven. Indian fans should
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