It took just over a minute for Morocco’s Ismael Saibari to score for the second Group C match in succession. His strike was the quickest goal of the at the time – until took that honour a few hours later.
Like Galarza, Saibari’s goal was the only one of a tight game. The PSV forward’s early intervention handed Morocco a 1-0 victory and Saibari was named for his vital contribution.
“It’s the best moment of my career,” Saibari said after the game. “Playing for your country at the World Cup is every player’s dream, and I’ve managed to live that dream by scoring two goals in two games.”
It was in Morocco’s very first attack that Brahim Diaz played in Saibari, who timed his run to perfection to stay onside and get the better of Grant Hanley. He took a neat first touch to steady himself from a narrow angle, and followed it up with a powerful strike that beat goalkeeper Angus Gunn.
Having already got on the scoresheet against Brazil with a delightful dink, Saibari’s goal against Scotland made him the first Moroccan player in history to score in back-to-back World Cup games. He is the second African to do it in his opening two World Cup appearances after Mohamed Salah, who achieved the feat with Egypt at Russia 2018.
A physically imposing presence with the strength to both shield the ball and let fly from distance, Saibari’s intelligence and off-the-ball movement are some of his key attributes that have led coach Mohamed Ouahbi to play him as a false nine.
“It all started when I took over,” Ouhabi said in his post-match press conference. “I adopted a game plan and certain principles, and I wanted to put it into practice with the strongest squad at my disposal. If I’ve got quality players at my disposal, I’m going to make full use of them.
“With so many No10s to choose from, I needed to find the right structure and balance to make us more effective and solid, and to make sure our best players were playing. So far, so good.”
The partnership between Brahim Díaz and Saibari has become a potent attacking weapon for Morocco, with the latter already benefiting from two assists from the Real Madrid star.
“His passing ability is second to none, but it’s up to me to convert them,” Saibari reflected.
Atlas Lions goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, one of the most experienced figures in the squad, has been delighted to see his team-mates thrive on the World Cup stage so far.
“I couldn’t be happier for Saibari and for the whole squad,” Bounou said. “Aside from being top-quality players with great values, they play with real heart, and that’s what the supporters love to see.”
“That excites me: the lads are having fun, playing attractive football, and doing so in a competitive way.”
A Morocco side playing with real freedom now turn their attention to their final Group C game as they look to confirm progress to the Round of 32.
Sources: FIFA Official
