Ben Doak. Credit: Imago Images
Scotland winger Ben Gannon-Doak has paid tribute to the Tartan Army, saying the atmosphere in Boston gave him genuine goosebumps during Saturday night’s World Cup opener.
The Bournemouth speedster produced a standout display as Steve Clarke’s side edged Haiti 1-0 in their Group C opener, making history at the tournament.
A 30,000-strong travelling support packed the stadium, creating an atmosphere that Gannon-Doak described as the finest he has witnessed from a Scotland crowd away from home.
The 20-year-old said: “It’s not as if we are at Hampden, we are a long way from home. The turnout was absolutely incredible so it gave me goosebumps when I was standing around that centre circle.”
Gannon-Doak also admitted to experiencing nerves during the national anthem, though he was quick to clarify those feelings had nothing to do with fear of the game itself.
“The only time I was really nervous was at the national anthem, I don’t think that was nerves to play, I think that was just butterflies from the crowd,” he said.
Scotland now need just a single point from their remaining group matches against Morocco and Brazil to guarantee progression through a group stage for the first time in their history.
Gannon-Doak made clear that historic prospect is fuelling motivation across the entire squad heading into the Morocco fixture back in Boston on Friday night.
He said: “We know how good the next two opponents are and we are very confident that we can get a result. It is just up to us to do what we need to do.”
The winger was also careful not to overlook Haiti, pushing back against any suggestion that Scotland’s opponents were taken lightly by those outside the camp.
“I think back home there was an element of underestimating Haiti – although not in our camp,” he said, adding that every side at the tournament possessed genuine quality.
Boss Clarke must now decide whether to retain his 4-4-2 formation for the Morocco clash, a tactical choice that could potentially affect Gannon-Doak’s starting position.
Despite that uncertainty, the young winger displayed a refreshingly selfless attitude when asked about his chances of keeping his place in the starting eleven.
He said: “Listen I am not bothered if I start or if I am on the bench. I just want Scotland to win.”
Gannon-Doak rounded out his message with a clear statement of personal values, insisting the collective outcome matters far more than individual glory at this stage of the tournament.
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