Ouahbi addresses Scotland match, says Morocco must impose its rhythm

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi said the Atlas Lions must impose their rhythm against Scotland on Friday, describing the World Cup Group C match as a different test from the opening draw against Brazil.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Boston, Ouahbi said Morocco had worked to move quickly past the 1-1 draw with Brazil and focus on a Scotland team that opened its campaign with a 1-0 win over Haiti.

“We have different options, and we will keep our identity and our way of playing,” Ouahbi said. “We want to control the rhythm of the match.”

The coach said tactical changes remain possible, but insisted that cohesion matters more than alterations to formation or player positions.

“We can change the formation and positions, but the most important thing is cohesion at the right time,” he said. “I am confident we can produce a better level and make significant progress.”

Ouahbi said Scotland would pose a demanding physical and tactical challenge, describing their style as faster and stronger than Brazil’s in certain aspects.

“The Brazil match was physical, but the style against Scotland is different. They are faster than Brazil and stronger too, and we have worked properly on the match,” he said.

He also played down comparisons with Morocco’s 3-0 win over Scotland at the 1998 World Cup, saying the current squad is focused on Friday’s game rather than past results.

“Some people want us to win 3-0 like in 1998, but I will not talk about that,” Ouahbi said. “The players are focused on the match. That happened in a beautiful time.”

Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi said Morocco expects to improve as the tournament progresses, both individually and collectively.

“I am confident in the Moroccan national team’s ability to develop from one match to another, because the whole team is working hard and we will see a better level,” Ounahi said.

He compared the World Cup to a marathon, saying success requires sustained mental and physical readiness throughout the competition.

Morocco face Scotland on Friday, June 19, at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, at 6 p.m. local time, 11 p.m. Moroccan time.