The flawed but relentless Scotland shows itself to be a man of substance

Clarke’s masterplan, so to speak, was to play Kieran Tierney ahead of Robertson on the left, two highly experienced operators to counter the threat of Hakimi and Brahim Diaz.

A risk, sure. And a lot to think about behind it. Just over a minute gone – Diaz assist, Ismael Cibari goal, nightmare scenario come true.

The traffic cone boys didn’t let such trifles dampen their day.

Everyone else had a ghostly look about them, their clamor and passion reduced to soft cries, the sultry arrogance they all displayed with another magnificent rendition of Flowers of Scotland now replaced by screams as Morocco ran away.

Or threatened to chase. It took them seventy seconds to score. For much of the opening half they looked like cultured fighters, boxing the ears of over-matched opponents, bamboozling their punchbags with movement before what seemed like an inevitable knockout.

Scotland were on the ropes, covering up and praying that the punishment would stop. And minute by minute, it did.

Morocco’s intensity was astounding for half an hour and they could have been two or three ahead by then, but they weren’t. They are great footballers, very easy on the eyes, but they are not ruthless, not murderous. Scotland’s resilience keeps them in it.

When Morocco’s power begins to fade, it becomes a contest.

Scotland finished the opening half strongly, their confidence soaring, the anxious looks on their supporters’ faces giving a glimmer of blessed hope.