Can Scotland turn World Cup party into knockout run? Morocco test could hold answer - ESPN

BOSTON, Mass — Scotland have left their mark on this part of the U.S. There are heart-warming stories wherever you look. Such has been the Tartan Army's impact in Boston, the Massachusetts governor, Maura Healey, signed an [un]official executive order to legalise Scottish delicacy haggis in the state. The Tartan Army has donated to charity: some $30,000 to causes in Providence, and their latest contribution $1,200 to a Boston children's organisation. Further south in New York, one fan taught a group of nuns to sing «No Scotland, No Party.»

But to truly leave their mark on this World Cup, Scotland need to secure that historic place in the knockout rounds… Morocco and Brazil stand between Scotland and progression. They're effectively a point from destiny in this newly-expanded model, but they've been here before. Fans of a certain vintage wince when you talk about «only needing a point.» They've suffered painful near misses in the past.

Take 1974. Scotland opened their group stage with a 2-0 win over Zaire and drew with Brazil and Yugoslavia, but missed out on progressing due to goal difference. In 1978, they lost to Peru, drew with Iran and then beat the Netherlands, complete with Archie Gemmill's wondergoal, but missed out on progressing again on goal difference. And well — it was the same in 1982, a win, a defeat to Brazil, a draw with the Soviet Union and yep, out on goal difference. That's why, amid all the delight and relief at beating Haiti 1-0, there's still neurosis to compartmentalise past experiences and not chalking up the goals.

«You just have to play the game,» manager Steve Clarke said. «Permutations and whatever that's for you guys and the punters, not for us.»

That's the thing about seeking to achieve