Four Scotland stars get 8/10 against backdrop of rage against ‘diabolical non-referee’

Scotland will have to wait to make World Cup history after losing 1-0 to Morocco in a match which saw then denied two penalties.

Steve Clarke‘s side were second best against the Africa Cup of Nations holders in Boston on Friday in a result which has seen them bumped off top spot in Group C.

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Following last weekend’s 1-0 win over Haiti, Scotland were sitting pretty at the top.

Victory over Morocco would have seen Scotland secure their passage into the knockout stages for the first time.

In their previous eight appearances at the World Cup, they have been dumped out in the group stage on each occasion.

Scot of bother

The writing looked to be on the wall for Scotland when Ismael Saibari broke the deadlock after just 71 seconds in what is the quickest goal in North America so far.

The versatile PSV Eindhoeven forward – who is set to join Bayern Munich in a deal worth in excess of £45million – smashed home from a tight angle to silence the Tartan Army after Grant Hanley failed when trying to play the offside trap.

Commenting on Hanley’s error, former Scotland international Mark McGhee said on talkSPORT commentary: “What a dreadful piece of defending.

“I think it’s Hanley who tries to play him off, but what a finish, Angus Gunn has no chance.”

McGhee also remarked on the goal: “He makes it easy for him… it’s schoolboy stuff.”

And there was little to cheer about from the opening 45 minutes in what was a dismal display.

It took them until first half added time for Scotland to register their first shot on goal – a wayward close-range volley from John McGinn.

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A disappointing second half then followed as a battling Scotland struggled to create chances – though fans were less than pleased after McGinn was denied a penalty after going to ground following a challenge by Neil El Aynaoui.

Though they may have reason to feel aggrieved after a second appeal was then turned down after Scott McTominay then went over following another El Aynaoui tackle attempt.

Replays showed there was contact, but referee Ilgiz Tantashev waved it away.

McGhee was left incensed by the decision, as he raged: “He’s tripped his toe, he’s touched his toe.

“It’s a stonewall penalty kick… I’m not having it, that’s a penalty kick.”

And moments later, ex-Aberdeen and Celtic star McGhee remarked: “The referee’s performance has been diabolical.

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“He’s a non-referee, he’s not making decisions, taking pressure off himself. Shocking.”

Scotland’s fate in getting out of Group C remains in their hands should they beat Brazil next Wednesday, while a draw would likely see them advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams should Carlo Ancelotti‘s men leap into second with a win over Haiti.

Here, McGhee has rated and slated every player that took to the pitch at the Gillette Stadium – home of MLS outfit New England Revolution and NFL side New England Patriots.

No Hen Party

McGhee failed to hold back in his view on Hibernain defender Hanley.

The 34-year-old’s error in looking to play Saibari offside immediately backfired.

His decision led to Saibari running clear on goal, with the 25-year-old making no mistake with an effort into the roof of the net.

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Hanley was awarded a 5/10 by McGhee – the lowest rating dished out.

Commenting on the former Blackburn and Norwich man, McGhee simply stated: “Catastrophic mistake for goal.”

Best of the rest

Despite the defeat, McGhee has hailed the performances of McTominay, Lewis Ferguson, Angus Gunn and Jack Hendry.

Each of the players were given an 8/10 rating, with McGhee saying on Gunn: “Made a copious [amount] of great saves.”

He then said on Hendry: “Alert and decisive all match.”

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Having the labelled Fergson as, ‘Terrific,’ McGhee also singled out McTominay – a week after he labelled the Napoli man as ‘largely ineffective’ against Haiti.

He remarked: “Big influence in raising the level of performances.”

Great Scot

McGhee was also quick to gush over Clarke, giving the Scotland boss his highest rating – 9/10.

That is despite Scotland failing to muster a single shot on target from their six attempts.

But McGhee was happy with what he saw from Scotland, having restricted Morocco to little in the second half.

In a short, but glowing review, he said: “Tactics sound.”