News Focus
- John McGinn nets Scotland’s first World Cup goal in 28 years to seal victory
- Scotland climb to top of Group C following Brazil’s draw with Morocco
- Steve Clarke’s defence holds firm despite late pressure from Haiti
- Scott McTominay strikes woodwork in narrow win at Boston Stadium
- Scotland face Morocco next on June 19 in second group fixture
John McGinn has ended Scotland’s long wait for a World Cup goal by scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win against Haiti. The midfielder found the net in the 28th minute at Boston Stadium, securing his country’s first victory on this stage in 28 years.
The result sends Steve Clarke’s side to the top of Group C. Brazil had earlier dropped points in a draw with Morocco, opening the door for the Scots to take an early lead in the standings.
The match began with nerves for the Tartan Army. Scott McTominay nearly opened the scoring when his powerful drive rattled the post. Moments later, McGinn capitalised on a rebound. Che Adams saw his initial effort saved, but the ball fell kindly to McGinn, whose shot took a deflection and beat the Haiti goalkeeper.
Haiti, competing at this level for the first time since 1974, responded with spirit. Carlens Arcus forced a rare error from Angus Gunn, who spilled the shot before his defence cleared the danger. The underdogs nearly stole a point late on when Frantzdy Pierrot headed wide from close range with just five minutes remaining.
McGinn should have settled the contest in the 73rd minute but dragged a clear chance wide of the upright. Ben Gannon-Doak also threatened with an angled drive that Martin Experience blocked following a cross from Andy Robertson.
Manager Steve Clarke praised his team’s resilience after the final whistle. Speaking to BBC Sport, he said, “I just said to Andy Robertson – it’s about time we won a game in the group stage. Everyone said it was a must-win game – we won the game. Defensively, we were outstanding.”
Midfielder Lewis Ferguson shared the joy of the fans. “Amazing, the scenes at the end. These fans have waited so long for that,” he told reporters. “There was a lot of pressure on us, but we back and believe in ourselves. We can play better, but we came here to do a job.”
Scotland now turn their attention to their next clash against Morocco on June 19, knowing they must improve their control of the ball to advance from the group stage for the first time in their history.