Scotland v Belarus 2026 FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball Qualifiers Andy Robertson of Scotland during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Group C match at Hampden Park, Glasgow UK Newspapers OUT Copyright: xFredxPalmerx FIL-22351-0159
Scotland Top Group C After Nervy Win Over Haiti At World Cup Opener In Boston
Scotland returned to the World Cup stage for the first time in nearly three decades, edging past Haiti in a tense and anxiety-riddled contest in Boston.
John McGinn’s deflected strike secured the breakthrough, ending a 28-year wait for a Scotland World Cup goal dating back to Craig Burley’s effort against Norway.
The Aston Villa skipper was Steve Clarke’s only change to the starting lineup, and he proved the difference in a match that tested every nerve in the Tartan Army.
Che Adams was denied by a close-range save before the ball fell to McGinn, who dispatched it in style to send the Scottish press box and supporters into scenes of pure elation.
Scotland’s assistant coach Steven Naismith delivered his half-time verdict from inside the dressing room, acknowledging the team had more to give in possession.
“It was a cagey start but everyone is getting used to the game and conditions,” Naismith told BBC Scotland. “It was a good goal, but we can still be better in possession.”
Naismith added: “Haiti are aggressive when on the counter-attack, but when we’re in possession, we need to be better.”
The second half brought enormous pressure from Haiti, with Frantzdy Pierrot heading just wide of the post as Grant Hanley was caught off guard in a major let-off.
Steve Clarke responded with a string of substitutions, bringing on Nathan Patterson and Ryan Christie for Aaron Hickey and Ben Gannon-Doak before Lyndon Dykes replaced Che Adams up front.
John McGinn then spurned a huge opportunity to double the lead, dragging his shot wide, with the Aston Villa midfielder claiming he was fouled by Ricardo Ade in the build-up.
Lewis Ferguson was singled out for praise, with the Bologna midfielder described as having worked relentlessly throughout the match despite Scotland’s struggles to control proceedings.
Aaron Hickey endured a difficult evening on the right side, picking up a booking early in the second half while being repeatedly exposed by Ruben Providence down that flank.
Six minutes of stoppage time were signalled as Scotland desperately tried to hold on, unable to keep possession and surviving almost entirely through defensive grit and resilience.
Kenny McLean and Findlay Curtis were introduced late on for McGinn and Lawrence Shankland as Clarke sought to shut out a Haiti side that had grown into the contest.
The victory, however scrappy, lifted Scotland to the top of Group C, with the Tartan Army celebrating in Boston and back home in what was a historic and emotional evening for the nation.
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