Haiti 0 – 1 Scotland

John McGinn scored Scotland’s first World Cup goal for 28 years to ensure a successful start against Haiti in Group C.

Brazil’s earlier draw with Morocco meant a win for Steve Clarke’s side could move them to the top of the group four – and hold Haiti determined to do so.

Scott McTominay hit the post, before McGinn sparked wild celebrations as his deflected shot hit the back of the net repeatedly after Che Adams was denied.

Haiti – back at the World Cup for the first time since 1974 – showed their threat with glimpses in attack and with the Tartan Army still celebrating a historic goal, ‘keeper Angus Gunn parried Carlens Arcus’ shot.

Ben Gannon-Doak’s angled-drive shot from Robertson’s cross was blocked by Martin Experience for a corner, which ended up being ineffective.

McGinn missed a great chance to put the game out of reach, dragging his effort wide of the goal as nerves set in.

Haiti continued to press for an equalizer and with five minutes left Frantzdy Pierrot headed wide from 10 yards, squandering a good chance.

It was an important win for the Scots, but they will need to produce better if they are to go out of the group for the first time in their history.

Highlights from Boston…

• 17: McTominay agonizingly close to an opener as his effort rattles the post.

• 28: GOAL! McGinn’s deflected shot gives Scotland the lead.

• 30: Gunn fires a shot from Arcus but it’s cleared

• 73: McGinn misses a chance to make it 2-0

• 80: Perriot nods his entire head

Analysis: Scores on performance

Steve Clarke’s pre-match advice to his players was simple – “don’t get confused.”

They did as they were told, but it was a rough night for those on the field and back home.

Scotland lack proper control and know they will need to improve if they are to get out of the group as better sides than Haiti await.

John McGinn scored just one goal, but Ben Gannon-Doak again showed what he can do in a Scotland jersey, although he was not used enough to make his mark.

They wanted a start, but they still have a lot of work to do before they face Morocco.

What does the result mean…

Clarke: Everyone said we had to win, and we did

Scotland coach Steve Clarke speaking to BBC Sport:

“I’ve just said to Andy Robertson – it’s time to win a game in the group stage.

“We put the fans in a little bit. Everyone said it was a must-win game – we won the game.

“What this team is about, if they want to play they can play but if they have to go deep and show that character and strength, that’s what they do.

“Defensively, outstanding. We could have been a bit better on the ball, but who cares – we won.”

Ferguson: We believed in ourselves

Scotland midfielder Lewis Ferguson on BBC Sport:

“It’s amazing, the scenes at the end. These fans have been waiting for that for a long time, so it was special and fun to put it all together.

“For me, it was a relief to cross the line because we were under pressure at the end.

“They are a good team, but we came here to win the game. We did that, so we will move on to the next one.

“There was a lot of pressure on us and we put pressure on ourselves to win the game.

“Many people expected us to win and we expect us to win – we are coming back and we believe in ourselves.

“I think we can play better. We can create more chances and score more goals, but we came here to do a job and we have done that.”

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