AGENCIES

Morocco, surprise World Cup semi-finalists four years ago, arrive in Boston tonight (Staruday 4am, Bangladesh time) shaping the narrative of Group C, having opened with a confident 1-1 draw against five-time champions Brazil.

Under coach Mohamed Ouahbi, appointed only three months ago after guiding their Under-20s to world success, the North Africans have combined youthful energy with tactical discipline to look an even more efficient unit than the side that stunned Belgium, Spain and Portugal on their run to the last four in Qatar.

Eighteen-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has already emerged as a breakout figure, gliding through his first competitive international against Brazil with composure and intelligence that belied his age, reinforcing Morocco’s midfield control.

Scotland, meanwhile, arrive in Boston buoyed by a long-awaited opening win over Haiti -- their first World Cup victory in 36 years -- yet the performance was scrappy and exposed the strain of expectation.

Both sides will be targeting victory to effectively book their place in the Round of 32, with a draw unlikely to prove damaging. However, Scotland will be especially keen to avoid defeat, as it might leave them needing a must-win result against Brazil on the final matchday to progress.