Scotland’s World Cup hopes took a major hit after their 1-0 defeat to Morocco, and the reaction from abroad has been brutal.
Despite battling hard throughout the match and feeling aggrieved over a controversial late penalty decision, Scotland have come under heavy criticism from both French and Brazilian media.
The criticism has particularly focused on Scotland’s lack of quality in possession and inability to create clear-cut chances against the Atlas Lions.
What the French media said
French newspaper Le Figaro pulled no punches in its assessment of Steve Clarke’s side.
“Scotland once again displayed their limitations,” the report stated.
The outlet went on to describe the Scots as “too limited technically, lacking in talent, and unable to change pace” as they struggled to break down Morocco’s organised defence.
In perhaps the harshest line of all, Le Figaro added:
“Italy must be rubbing their eyes in disbelief at such a level of play.”
The Brazilian verdict
Brazilian outlet Lance also delivered a brutal assessment following the defeat.
“Scotland’s party has been halted. The Tartan Army came to conquer Boston but Morocco crashed it.”
Meanwhile, Globo claimed Scotland failed to make their possession count when it mattered most.
“Scotland lacked the precision to translate possession control into goals.”
The McTominay controversy
The criticism comes after Scott McTominay found himself at the centre of the game’s biggest talking point.
The Scotland midfielder appeared to be tripped by Neil El Aynaoui inside the penalty area in the closing stages, but referee Ilgiz Tantashev waved away the appeals and VAR chose not to intervene.
ITV refereeing expert Christina Unkel was adamant Scotland should have been awarded a penalty.
“This is a very clear penalty. This is a missed incident for VAR.”
Roy Keane disagreed.
“I don’t think it is a penalty. Simple as that. I think he is looking to go down.”
What’s next?
Scotland now head into a must-win showdown with Brazil knowing defeat would end their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
After being written off by the foreign media, Steve Clarke’s side now have the perfect opportunity to prove their critics wrong.
The Bottom Line
France says Scotland are technically limited.
Brazil says their World Cup party is over.
Now Scotland have one final chance to answer their critics.
