Scotland's World Cup dream hung by a thread but remains in their own hands after a 71-second nightmare against Morocco in a tense Group C clash.
Ismael Saibari's rocket silenced the Tartan Army and knocked Steve Clarke's men off top spot, but a historic knockout place is still possible if they win their final group game.
“Scotland lost 0-1 to Morocco after Ismael Saibari's early rocket, but can still reach knockout stage by winning final group game.”
The match had barely begun when Morocco struck. Saibari unleashed a blistering shot that left Scotland goalkeeper rooted, the ball flying into the net before many fans had settled into their seats. The early goal set the tone for a classy Moroccan display that controlled long stretches of the game.
Scotland battled to the last, but could not find an equaliser. The 0-1 defeat drops them to second in Group C, with their fate now resting on the final round of fixtures.
"Our hopes remain in our own hands," Clarke said after the match, reflecting on a performance that showed fight if not fluency. The Tartan Army, though silenced by Saibari's strike, will travel to the final game believing their team can still write history.
Morocco's win puts them level on points with Scotland at the top, but the Scots know a victory in their last group match will secure a place in the knockout stages for the first time. The margin for error is gone, but the opportunity is still there.