It wasn’t that they were making chances and causing problems, but they were working their way back into contention, asking a few questions, reminding Morocco that they weren’t soft touches any more.
It was impressive how Scotland dug in, defending brilliantly, bodies being thrown in the way of things. Jack Hendry had two huge moments, Angus Gunn had a major save. Clarke sprung the cavalry from the bench and Scotland pushed on.
The lesson they have learned from Germany two years ago was to fire some shots, don’t die wondering.
They were drearily negative in the critical game against Hungary at the Euros and went out with a whimper. For two weeks they’ve told us that that won’t be happening again. Here was the evidence of it.
It was not to be, but in soaking up Moroccan pressure and then fighting back to scare the wits out of them, they showed themselves as men of substance, not in Morocco’s league in pure footballing terms but battlers; flawed but relentless.
They don’t lack for heart and heart might yet take them through this group and into the promised land of the knockouts.
They have Brazil to play and one point to find, maybe. They might not even need it if their goal difference remains strong, but they’ll travel to Miami feeling sore but believing in themselves.
Later, the traffic cone guys reappeared, still smiling, still singing, still carrying on like they were having the time of their lives, which they undoubtedly are.
We could learn something from them. A life lesson. Stick a cone on your head and keep on keeping on.
