World Cup Day 9: Scotland fume, historic red card, Ancelotti under fire | OneFootball

The FIFA World Cup brought yet more drama and stunning goals as Scotland lost to Morocco in controversial circumstances, while the USA, Brazil and Paraguay all secured victories. 

We’ve recapped all the happenings from matchday eight, including what you may have missed overnight.

World Cup Day 9:

Scotland fume over Morocco decisions

Much like they did versus Brazil in their opening game, Morocco got off to an electric start against Scotland in Boston. PSV forward Ismael Saibari rifled the ball into the roof after just 70 seconds to shock their European opponents.

The Scots were at sixes and sevens in the first ‘quarter’ and lucky not to concede another goal in that period. Morocco retreated a bit more after the hydration break, but Steve Clarke’s side still could not make inroads.

The second half was a different matter altogether. Scotland went on the hunt for an equaliser as the AFCON finalists retreated into their shell, and they generated enough opportunities to get something.

But Scotland’s decision-making in the final third, as well as the lack of a clinical edge in the box, was their undoing. That, and every big decision going against them. They were denied two penalties, with both John McGinn and Scott McTominay taken down in the box as they lost 1-0.

Clarke was despondent after the final whistle and in his post-match interview, questioning why FIFA even required managers to do them.

Scotland now head into their final game against Brazil with three points, which may be enough to get them through, but they need at least a draw to be absolutely sure of their progression to the knockouts for the first time ever.

Read – The best football kits we’ll see at FIFA World Cup 2026

Paraguay eliminate Türkiye as Almiron sent off

Türkiye will not be advancing any further in the competition after suffering a shock defeat to Paraguay, but the real headline was Miguel Almiron’s red card.

The south Americans got off to a flying start when Matias Galarza hit a daisy cutter from range into the bottom corner of the net after 64 seconds. Assisted by former Brighton attacker Julio Enciso, it’s the fastest goal of the World Cup so far.

A scuffle broke out at the end of the half between both sets of players, triggering a VAR check, but not for any of the handbags being thrown. Former Newcastle United forward Almiron was spotted covering his mouth while speaking to a Türkiye player.

Under a new rule being implemented at this tournament, players will be sent off for covering their mouths while speaking to an opponent during confrontations, meaning Almiron had to go. He is the first player to be punished for the infringement.

It’s a huge blow to Paraguay, who will now miss their star player for next Friday’s crunch clash with Australia, the winner of which would book their place in the knockouts.

The Turks, meanwhile, bow out after failing to score in their opening two games, despite taking 62 shots. It’s the most attempts without a goal in any two-match span in the competition on record since 1966.

Read – 10 of the most unforgettable FIFA World Cup moments

Brazil hammer Haiti

Carlo Ancelotti relieved some of the pressure on himself, following up last week’s disappointing draw against Morocco with a 3-0 win over Haiti, knocking the CONCACAF side out of the World Cup.

All three goals came in the first half as the Haitians conceded an unfortunate opener after 22 minutes. Johny Placide spilled the ball in the box and Hannes Delcroix’s attempted clearance went in off Matheus Cunha.

The Manchester United attacker doubled their lead with a brilliant finish in the 36th minute before Vinicius Junior rolled the ball underneath the goalkeeper on the stroke of halftime.

Though Brazil have put themselves in a good position to win Group C ahead of next Wednesday’s encounter with Scotland, their fans were not entirely convinced by the performance or the manager’s decisions.

Ancelotti received much criticism for once again starting Endrick on the bench. The 19-year-old is seen as the future of the team, although it’s difficult to see the Real Madrid youngster starting ahead of Cunha when he’s in this form. Endrick did put the ball in the net when he was subbed on in the second half, but it was ruled offside.

Brazil were also dealt a blow in the first half when Raphinha was forced off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

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USA reach Round of 32

Co-hosts the United States have secured their place in the next round with a 2-0 win over Australia in a testy affair.

The Americans were by far the superior side in the first half and take the lead through an own goal in the 11th minute. Folarin Balogun used his considerable speed to charge down the left wing and into the box. He slid a pass into the area that was turned into the net by defender Cameron Burgess.

They doubled their lead when Sergino Dest’s was deflected up into the air and headed in by Alex Freeman, son of former NFL player Antonio Freeman.

The US didn’t build on their advantage in the second half, allowing Australia to get a foothold in the game, but their clean sheet remained intact by the full-time whistle.

Read – Premier League fixture list for 2026/27 in full

Read More – Five of the biggest shocks in World Cup history

See Also – Ronaldo’s redemption at the 2002 World Cup

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