Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterThey weren't entirely convincing - but Scotland won't care after claiming their first win at a major tournament since 1996 and their first at a World Cup since 1990 with a 1-0 victory over Haiti.John McGinn's first-half goal proved to be the difference in Boston as the Scots went top of Group C following Brazil and Morocco's 1-1 draw earlier in the evening.Scotland were making their first appearance at the tournament since 1998, with Haiti ending a 52-year wait since their sole outing all the way back in 1974.'There's fans in there that's never seen Scotland at a World Cup, never mind seen us win a game'After Scott McTominay hit the post early on, McGinn's heavily-deflected strike gave Scotland the lead midway through the a somewhat scrappy first half following excellent work from Che Adams in the build-up.Bournemouth winger Ben Gannon-Doak meanwhile earned plenty of praise for his work on and off the ball on the right wing. You may like How to watch Haiti vs Scotland for FREE Scotland injury news latest as Scott McTominay misses training before World Cup opener Haiti vs Scotland prediction as Steve Clarke's side look to start World Cup with a win Haiti had as much of the run of the game as Scotland, and as expected, were extremely busy in how they went about their business in the press.But Haiti never found that bit of individual quality needed to punish Scotland's sloppy moments on the ball, with too many of their crosses ending up curling out of play or straight into Angus Gunn's grateful arms.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.A largely low-quality game sparked into a bit of life after the second-half drinks break, with McGinn dragging a decent chance wide just moments before Wilson Isidor was unable to meet Ruben Providence's ball across the face of goal at the other end.Frantzdy Pierrot should have buried a header five minutes from time off an inch-perfect cross from the right, but was left with his head in his hands as he diverted his effort wide.That proved costly for Haiti, with Steve Clarke's side seeing out an extended period of stoppage time to claim the three points. What to read next Who scored Scotland's last World Cup goal? Welcome to New Scotland, a party 28 years in the making Scotland squad World Cup 2026: Steve Clarke's team for opening game against Haiti Former Scotland international Rachel Corsie said on the BBC's coverage of Scotland players' jubilation on the final whistle: "Absolutely milk it."They will be looking out for family and loved ones that they know that have travelled, but also they'll just appreciate all the fans that are enjoying this moment. That's what we've always been about in Scotland. It's about doing these moments together."Former Celtic midfielder Scott Brown added: "It's amazing for us. There's fans in there that's never seen Scotland at a World Cup, never mind seen us win a game."For them to pay the amount of money to go over there to enjoy it, and to share the special moment with the players as well, and the backroom staff as well, which they've done for the last two years to get to the World Cup...everybody throughout the nation deserves this, and everyone that's staying up watching this as well deserves this."TOPICSScotlandHaitiWorld CupWorld Cup 2026Steven ChickenSocial Links NavigationSteven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication,WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.
