Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
AFRICAN heavyweights Morocco face a stern examination of their FIFA World Cup credentials when they take on Scotland in a crucial Group C encounter at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, at midnight.
The Atlas Lions are searching for their first victory of the tournament after opening their campaign with a spirited 1-1 draw against Brazil, in which Ismael Saibari gave Morocco the lead before Vinicius Junior salvaged a point for the South Americans.
Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi expects a tough contest against a Scottish side eager to strengthen its position at the top of the group.
The North Africans enter the match in confident mood, having gone six matches unbeaten this year following their Africa Cup of Nations campaign. Their recent run includes victories over Paraguay, Burundi and Madagascar, as well as draws against Ecuador, Norway and Brazil.
Scotland lead Group C with three points after a narrow 1-0 victory over Haiti in their opening match, secured through a strike from John McGinn.
The Scots are chasing a place in the knockout stages and will be aiming for successive World Cup victories after arriving at the tournament on the back of warm-up wins over Curacao and Bolivia.
History also favours Morocco, who defeated Scotland 3-0 when the two sides met at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.
Meanwhile, the United States and Australia will battle for a place in the knockout rounds when they meet in a pivotal Group D clash in Seattle.
Tournament co-hosts Mexico became the first nation to secure a place in the last 32 after edging South Korea 1-0 on Thursday.
Elsewhere, five-time world champions Brazil will be seeking their first win of the tournament when they face Haiti early on Saturday morning.
The Selecao were held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco in their opening fixture and will be targeting maximum points against the Caribbean side as they look to strengthen their position in the group.
