Scotland were cheered by their travelling fans as they clinched their first World Cup win in 36 years in Boston on Saturday. A first-half strike by John McGinn helped them edge past Haiti with a scrappy 1-0 victory.
Scotland knew a win against minnows Haiti would give them an advantage in the later stage, before taking on tougher opponents Brazil and Morocco in their remaining Group C matches. The breakthrough came in the 28th minute. Che Adams’ close-range shot was saved by Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide, but the rebound fell kindly to John McGinn. His shot took a deflection and looped over Placide into the net.
Scotland had come close earlier when Scott McTominay struck the post in the 17th minute. Haiti showed flashes of their pace and attacking threat, especially late in the game, but Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn was rarely tested.
The victory was far from convincing, but it lifted Steve Clarke’s side to the top of Group C. Brazil and Morocco, considered the group’s stronger teams, had earlier played out a 1-1 draw. The result also boosted Scotland’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage of a major tournament for the first time.
“We probably put the supporters through it a little bit. Everyone said it was a must-win game. We won the game,” Clarke told BBC Radio.
“Defensively, outstanding. We probably could have been a little bit better with the ball, but who cares?”
With FIFA’s expanded World Cup format, three points and a healthy goal difference could be enough to give Scotland a strong chance of progressing to the knockout rounds, something they have failed to achieve in each of their previous eight World Cup appearances.
Scotland’s supporters made the most of their return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence. They repeatedly sang their popular tribute song for McGinn, who rewarded them with the winning goal.
At 31 years and 238 days old, McGinn became the oldest Scotland player to score at a World Cup. The goal came less than a month after he lifted the Europa League trophy as Aston Villa captain. Winger Ben Doak also impressed with his pace and energy.
Haiti, playing in their first World Cup since 1974, were strengthened by the presence of two players with Premier League experience, Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Sunderland forward Wilson Isidor.
Despite their efforts, Haiti created only a few clear chances. In the 38th minute, Ruben Providence looked set to score from close range before Aaron Hickey made a crucial intervention. Frantzdy Pierrot headed narrowly wide in the 85th minute and had another opportunity in stoppage time, but Scotland held firm.
The Scots, whose last World Cup victory came against Sweden in 1990, will next face Morocco in Boston on Friday. Haiti, meanwhile, take on Brazil in Philadelphia on the same day.
