Scotland player ratings: Jack Hendry impresses, John McGinn and Che Adams toil, Scott McTominay turns up too late v Morocco in World Cup defeat

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Scotland's bid to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time will go to the final group-stage matchday, after they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Morocco in a hard-fought Boston battle.

Clarke says Scotland penalty shouts against Morocco were '50/50'

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Ismael Saibari's rocket of a finish with 70 seconds on the clock proved decisive as the Scots had to survive an early onslaught before failing to take their chances in an improved second-half display.

Steve Clarke's side finish their Group C campaign against Brazil in Miami next Wednesday, knowing that a draw is likely to be enough to send them into the round of 32 thanks to their opening-day win over Haiti.

The Scotland manager opted for experience against The Atlas Lions, fielding a starting XI with a combined 609 caps - the most ever for a Scottish side.

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He made three changes from the 1-0 win over Haiti as Nathan Patterson, Kieran Tierney and Ryan Christie came in for Aaron Hickey, Ben Gannon-Doak and Lawrence Shankland.

But did the alterations pay off? Here's how the Scotland players rated on a tough night in Boston.

Angus Gunn – 7 – The 'keeper was as surprised as anyone to see Saibari's blistering effort fly past him after less than two minutes.

He made some important saves thereafter, sticking out a foot to deny Achraf Hakimi and denying Bilal El Khannouss with a quick reaction at a corner.

Perhaps his best save was a fingertip effort on Chemsdine Talbi late on - even if a goal kick was erroneously awarded after.

Nathan Patterson – 6 – The right-back's inclusion ahead of Hickey came as a surprise and it looked like it could be a long night for him in the early stages.

But the Everton man composed himself and put in a diligent defensive display, sticking to his task despite Morocco's relentless attacks down his wing. Offered little in attack or on the ball, however.

Grant Hanley – 5 – The veteran centre-back's 70th cap got off to a nightmare start when he mistimed his step to play Saibari onside for the shock early opener.

Hanley was dragged around a bit during the early Moroccan attacking blizzard, but did make several important blocks and clearances to help ensure The Atlas Lions would not get another.

Jack Hendry – 8 – Scotland's standout performer. Hendry proved a brilliant last line of defence on several occasions, making a goal-saving block on Saibari that deflected the ball onto the top of the bar before calming Brahim Diaz danger with a block and a well-timed tackle.

He also gained courage on the ball, regularly stepping out of the defence to help launch attacking moves.

Andy Robertson – 6 – In the first half, Robertson was pegged back and unable to exert his attacking influence on the game, the one exception being a terrific cross to the back post just before half-time that McGinn could not finish.

The captain got forward more after the break as his side grew in confidence and the game opened up, while he picked up a booking while trying to deal with Hakimi's threat.

John McGinn – 5 – One of several Scotland players to struggle in the opening stages before growing into the game.

He snatched at a volley in a rare Scottish chance at the end of the first half but improved in the second, unsuccessfully claiming a penalty after being felled and putting some dangerous deliveries in the box.

Lewis Ferguson – 7 – Clarke's metronome was the only one trying to set some tempo in the first half as the midfield struggled.

His defensive industriousness was on full display in the second half as he threw himself into tackle after tackle.

Ryan Christie - 6 - One of the three new starters and also earning his 70th cap, the Bournemouth player started poorly when he was dispossessed too easily for a big Morocco chance after 10 minutes.

Like the rest of the team, he grew into the game, but he could only fire over on his weaker right foot from the edge of the box when a decent second-half chance presented itself.

Scott McTominay – 6 – A strange game from Scotland's talisman, who started very poorly, giving the ball away cheaply several times and struggling to make any impact on the game. He improved in the second half and had a big shout for a penalty turned down after making a strong burst into the area.

His deflected shot into the side netting and weak effort on the spin that late on were among the Scots' best efforts. A mixed bag.

Kieran Tierney - 5 - Clarke's most surprising pick of the day was fielding Tierney - usually a left-back - on the left side of midfield and assigning him the unenviable job of man-marking Hakimi.

He stuck to his task, but at the cost of offering very little on the ball. Made one crucial interception in the first half before being replaced injured midway through the second.

Che Adams – 5 - The Torino striker had a thankless task in the first half chasing lost causes, but some poor touches made it hard for him to hold the ball up and relieve pressure on the team.

He departed for Lyndon Dykes in the second half after seeing few sights of goal and having just one touch in the Morocco box.

Substitutes

Ben Gannon-Doak - 6 - The livewire winger was used as an impact substitute this time around and fulfilled the role well, bringing bags of pace, energy and directness that troubled the Moroccan defence on a couple of occasions, even if it wasn't enough to truly trouble them.

Lyndon Dykes - 5 - Clarke's trusted lieutenant provided a physical presence and decent hold-up play, but he never looked likely to be the man to break the deadlock, heading well wide from a corner with his only real chance.

Kenny McLean - 6 - Came on to steady the ship in midfield and was a calming presence on the ball.

Anthony Ralston - N/A - A late introduction to relieve a tiring Patterson.

Ross Stewart - N/A - The Southampton striker was introduced at the death as Clarke threw caution to the wind, but could not make an impact.

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