Che Adams has claimed that Morocco were scared of Scotland by the end of their World Cup Group C encounter, and the striker believes that performance gives the squad the belief they can defeat Brazil in Miami.
Scotland's Narrow Defeat to Morocco
Steve Clarke's side suffered a 1-0 loss in their second group game, with Ismael Saibari's stunning early strike proving decisive. However, Scotland dominated the second half, pinning the African champions back for long spells and feeling they had two strong penalty claims rejected by the referee.
Despite the defeat, Adams is adamant that Morocco knew they had been in a contest. The Torino frontman says the team will carry that confidence into their final group match against Brazil, where they need a result to have a chance of qualifying for the knockout stage for the first time in Scotland's history.
Adams: Morocco Were Worried
Speaking ahead of the crucial clash, Adams said: "Look, we're a good team. We showed that towards the end of the Morocco game because they were worried. They were scared and we could definitely have nicked something. So now we must dust ourselves down, keep that confidence and keep believing going into the Brazil game."
He added: "We were unlucky on Friday night and the early goal killed us. It put us on the back foot but we reacted really well and were unfortunate not to get the equaliser at the end. Our confidence could have gone after losing a goal like that. We could have taken two or three. So we showed brilliant character and belief."
Lone Striker Role in American Heat
Adams played as a lone striker against Morocco, having partnered Lawrence Shankland in the opening win over Haiti. He admitted the role is tough in the sweltering American heat but said he will do whatever Clarke asks of him.
"If the gaffer's putting me up there on my own, I've just got to do a shift for the team. But it's difficult on your own, especially with the confidence and the kind of calmness Morocco had in midfield and around the back," Adams explained.
Scotland Still Fighting for Survival
Scotland could face a Brazil defence featuring Gabriel and Marquinhos, but Adams insists the team remains united and determined. "We've got ourselves in a great position now. We just have to keep believing and keep grinding out the games," he said.
Adams, who has been Clarke's first-choice striker since joining the squad in 2021, recently completed a season in Serie A with Torino. The 29-year-old believes his move to Italy has improved his game and benefited Scotland. "I'm learning out there and I feel like I'm growing as a person and as a player. It's been really good. There's a lot of our boys out there now playing in Serie A and I'm happy to be one of them. And I think it helps the Scotland squad because of the different approach towards football in Italy that we're now part of," he said.
