Morocco's Evolving Style: A New Era Dawns After Brazil Draw

After 30 minutes of their World Cup opener against five-time champions Brazil, Morocco looked a class apart.

The Afcon finalists - and disputed winners - moved the ball about with confidence, dominated possession and deservedly led after Ismael Saibari raced onto a defence-splitting pass from Brahim Diaz and lofted a delightful finish over Alisson Becker.

Bedraggled Brazil were indebted to a piece of magic from Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr hauling them level before half-time.

Scotland supporters watching on would have understandably been concerned.

This was before Steve Clarke's side had beat Haiti 1-0, but even so, Scotland will likely need to draw against either Morocco - the sides meet in Boston on Friday night - or Brazil to ensure they get out of Group C. At the very least, they need to avoid heavy defeats.

"Morocco started the game very well," former Chelsea and Uruguay midfielder Gus Poyet said on the BBC during half-time of the game in New Jersey. "Technically, they look better than Brazil and their gameplan is working better."

Brazil were much improved after the break - and had the better chances to win it - but Morocco stood firm as the game finished 1-1.

"What I liked overall was the unity," former Morocco midfielder Hassan Kachloul told the BBC.

"They worked together and for one another, which Brazil didn't do. They weren't afraid to make the effort, even if some looked tired after an hour.

"That's the spirit you want - players giving everything on the pitch and giving their best."

Four years ago, Morocco were the World Cup's surprise package as they beat Belgium, Spain and Portugal on their way to the semi-finals, where they lost 2-0 to France.

Since then, their squad has evolved and kicked on to further success, but Kachloul believes there is more to come.

At previous tournaments, Morocco were pragmatic and effective - a team built on defensive structure and stability above all else

Under new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi - appointed just before this World Cup after success with the country's youth teams - Morocco hope to play a more fluid, front-foot style, led by a new generation of talent.

Scotland will have to watch out for 18-year-old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who shone against Brazil and has been linked with both Arsenal and Liverpool.

Winger Saibari, the scorer against Brazil, looks set to join Bayern Munich, external from PSV Eindhoven.

"What has changed is the introduction of a new manager with fresh ideas," Kachloul said.

"We also reached the end of a cycle with players like [Hakim] Ziyech, [Sofiane] Boufal, [Youssef] En-Nesyri and Romain Saiss, who are all over 30 and were at the last World Cup and Afcon.

"We needed some new ideas. Morocco winning the Under-20 World Cup with Mohamed Ouahbi was important and he has brought in five or six players under 22.

"They finished [the Brazil] game with six players under 23 on the pitch. So, it's the Morocco of today, but also the Morocco of tomorrow."

After a draw in their toughest match on paper, Morocco will be targeting two wins against Scotland and Haiti as they try to top the group.

Kachloul expects the Atlas Lions to dominate possession and for Scotland to play on the counter-attack, but thinks it will be a low-scoring affair.

"Scotland will bring a different challenge," he said.

"I expect Morocco to have more possession, but Steve Clarke won't be disturbed by that. They can defend in a mid-block and attack on the break.

"It will be a tight match. Scoring the first goal could be decisive and I don't expect many goals."

After comfortable wins over Burundi and Madagascar, Morocco drew 1-1 with Norway in their final World Cup warm-up game.

It came at a cost for the Moroccans as Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli was ruled out of the tournament through injury, but they stood up well to Norway's pace, power and size.

"Morocco recently faced a very physical Norwegian team and matched that physicality," Kachloul said.

Despite the heat and humidity in Massachusetts, Kachloul expects Morocco to play a full-strength team for such a crucial game against the Scots.

"It's very important for both teams," he said. "If you win your first two games, you can secure qualification early and possibly rotate in the last game.

"This second match is crucial. It's a long competition and you want fresh legs when you reach the knockouts."