Haiti 0 – 1 Scotland

John McGinn scored Scotland’s first World Cup purpose for 28 years to make sure a successful begin in opposition to Haiti in Group C.

Brazil’s earlier draw with Morocco meant victory Steve Clarke’s aspect might transfer high of the four-team standings – and so they held off a spirited Haiti to just do that.

Scott McTominay hit the put up, earlier than McGinn sparked wild celebrations as his deflected shot hit the again of the online on the rebound after Che Adams had been denied.

Haiti – again on the World Cup for the primary time since 1974 – confirmed their risk with glimpses in assault and with the Tartan Military nonetheless celebrating an historic purpose, ‘keeper Angus Gunn spilled a shot from Carlens Arcus.

Ben Gannon-Doak’s angled-drive shot from a Robertson cross was blocked by Martin Expertise for a nook, which finally got here to nothing.

McGinn missed an excellent probability to place the sport out of attain, dragging his effort large of the put up because the nerves kicked in.

Haiti stored urgent for the leveller and with 5 minutes remaining Frantzdy Pierrot headed large from 10 yards, spurning a terrific probability.

It was a vital victory for the Scots, however they might want to produce higher if they’re to get out of the group for the primary time ever of their historical past.

The important thing moments from Boston…

17: McTominay agonisingly near the opener as his effort rattles the put up.
28: GOAL! McGinn’s deflected shot offers Scotland the lead.
30: Gunn spills a shot from Arcus however it’s cleared
73: McGinn misses the prospect to make it 2-0
80: Perriot nods his header large

Evaluation: Factors over efficiency

Steve Clarke’s pre-match recommendation to his gamers was easy – “do not get humped.”

They did as they have been informed, nevertheless it was a nervy evening for these within the stadium and again at residence.

Scotland lacked any correct management and know that might want to enhance if they’re to get out of the group as higher sides than Haiti await.

John McGinn scored the one purpose, however Ben Gannon-Doak confirmed once more what he can do in a Scotland jersey, though he was not used sufficient to actually make his mark.

The beginning they wished, however nonetheless a lot work to do earlier than they tackle Morocco subsequent.

What the outcome means…

Clarke: Everybody stated should win, and we gained

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke talking to BBC Sport:

“I simply stated to Andy Robertson – it is about time we gained a sport within the group stage.

“We put the supporters by means of it a bit of bit. Everybody stated it was a must-win sport – we gained the sport.

“That is what this workforce is all about. In the event that they need to play, they’ll play, but when they should dig in and present that character and resilience, that is what they do as properly.

“Defensively, excellent. We might have been a bit of bit higher on the ball, however who cares – we gained.”

Ferguson: We believed in ourselves

Scotland midfielder Lewis Ferguson to BBC Sport:

“Superb, the scenes on the finish. These followers have waited so lengthy for that, in order that was particular and it was good to take all of it in.

“For me, it is a aid to recover from the road as a result of we have been beneath a little bit of strain on the finish.

“They are a good aspect, however we got here right here to win the sport. We have finished that so we’ll transfer on to the subsequent.

“There was quite a lot of strain on us and we put quite a lot of strain on ourselves as properly to go and win the sport.

“There was lots of people anticipating us to win and we anticipate to win as properly – we again and consider in ourselves.

“I believe we will play higher. We will create extra probabilities and rating extra objectives, however we got here right here to do a job and we have finished that.”