Early goal by Morocco defeats Scotland, own goal costs Socceroos against USA

Scotland fails to score against Morocco and the USA becomes first team in World Cup history to benefit from own-goals in consecutive games.

With four points from two games, Morocco are now primed to advance to the last 32. Source: Getty / Craig Williamson - SNS Group

In Brief

• Morocco advancing in Group C after a 1-0 win against Scotland.
• USA wins against Australia 2-0 at Seattle Stadium.

Morocco beat Scotland 1-0 in Group C of the World Cup on Friday with Ismael Saibari scoring his second goal in as many games after 71 seconds, leaving the North Africans well placed to advance into the round of 32.

With the game barely underway, Saibari ran on to a pass from Brahim Diaz with Scotland's defenders left watching and he lashed the ball past goalkeeper Angus Gunn. Morocco looked a class above Scotland for much of the first half.

The 25-year-old, who was born in Spain and raised in Belgium, is reportedly on the brink of a 55 million-euro ($90M) transfer from Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven to Bayern Munich.

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The quality of his strike past goalkeeper Angus Gunn showed why he is attracting such interest, and it was telling that Scotland lacked the same quality in the opposition box — that helps explain why Morocco are ranked fifth in the world, and Scotland 40th.

Scotland were as stodgy in attack as they have been for a long time, and it took until first-half stoppage time for them to create anything dangerous.

Although Steve Clarke's men played with more intensity after the break, it was Morocco who came closest to getting the game's second goal when an effort by Saibari was deflected on to the bar shortly after the interval.

Morocco have four points after drawing 1-1 with Brazil in their first match and they face Haiti in their final group match.

Scotland have three points after beating Haiti 1-0 last Saturday which might be enough to see them into the World Cup knockout round for the first time.

The Scots will close out their group games against Brazil next Wednesday.

Strong second half not enough to save the Socceroos

Socceroos coach Tony Popovic elected to surprise in the team's game against the US by starting World Cup goal scorers Nestory Irankunda and Conor Metcalfe on the bench.

The US opened the scoring after an own goal by Australia in the 10th minute, making them the first team in World Cup history to benefit from an opponent's own goal in two consecutive matches.

In the 44th minute the US scored a second, following a hotly debated call by VAR.

Australia came back stronger in the second half, substituting Jason Geria, Conor Metcalfe and Nestory Irankunda on as Nishan Velupillay, Cam Burgess and Mo Touré went off.

But despite the stronger gameplay, Australia was unable to score.

The US finished with the edge in possession at 56 per cent and both teams managed only two shots on goal.

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