Morocco scored the fastest goal in the World Cup as they beat Scotland 1-0 and go top of Group C with one match left to play.
The North Africans, who reached the semi-finals at the last World Cup, controlled the match from start to finish and took the lead just 71 seconds after kick-off through Ismael Saibari.
Despite dominating the proceeding and creating several chances, Morocco could not add a second goal. The victory moved them to four points from two matches. They will face Haiti next on Wednesday, while Scotland, who have three points, take on five-time champions Brazil in their final group game.
The top two teams in each group automatically qualify for the Round of 32, along with the eight best third-placed teams.
Morocco completed 601 passes during the match, the highest number recorded by an African team in a World Cup game since records began in 1966.
Scotland came into the match full of confidence after beating Haiti 1-0 in their opener, a result that gave them their first World Cup victory in 36 years. However, they struggled to cope with Morocco’s intensity.
The breakthrough came almost immediately. Saibari timed his run perfectly to meet a through ball from Brahim Diaz after defender Grant Hanley stepped out too early. He then fired past the goalkeeper to score the fastest goal of the tournament so far.
Saibari, who also scored in Morocco’s 1-1 draw against Brazil, became only the second African player after Mohamed Salah to score in each of his first two World Cup appearances.
Morocco nearly doubled their lead soon after when Azzedine Ounahi surged down the left wing and delivered a dangerous cross, but two team-mates narrowly failed to get a touch in front of goal.
A day before the match, Ounahi had said Morocco were aiming to reach the final and his team’s performance backed up that ambition. Scotland failed to register a shot on target until deep into first-half stoppage time.
Morocco continued to dominate possession. Bilal El Khannouss came close with a shot that sailed over the bar after another impressive attacking move.
The pressure continued after the break. Saibari hit the post, while El Khannouss forced a fine save from goalkeeper Angus Gunn with a well-placed header.
Scotland pushed forward in the closing stages and created a few late opportunities, but they could not find an equaliser.
