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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Mark Walker

'Concerned' World Cup boss defends risky decision ahead of Scotland meeting

(Image: Getty)

Morocco boss Mohamed Ouahbi was forced to defend playing Norway as their final World Cup warm-up opponents after injuries to two of his key men.

The African champions face Scotland in the second game of their group in Boston and faced Norway in a friendly which finished in a 1-1 draw.

However, both Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui and Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli were forced off injured.

But boss Ouahbi had no regrets about selecting in-form Norway as their opponents ahead of their opener against Brazil and insists it will stand them in good stead for the group.

He said: "We wanted to play against tough opponents so we could be as prepared as possible for the Brazil game.


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"Norway are a side with significant technical and physical capabilities.

"We left a good impression despite ⁠not winning because we really showed some very good things against an excellent team.

"That's the point ‌of playing against teams like this. We made a lot of changes, but it was important that we managed everyone's playing time.

"But two players went off injured and we're waiting to see how serious it is. I’m concerned about that."

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