Scotland edge Haiti in first World Cup match since 1998
John McGinn’s deflected first-half goal gave Scotland a 1-0 win over Haiti in their Group C opener near Boston.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
3 min read
Scotland opened their first World Cup campaign in 28 years with a 1-0 win over Haiti, giving Steve Clarke’s side an early foothold in Group C. AFP reported that John McGinn’s deflected strike before the half-hour mark was enough to settle a tense match at Gillette Stadium near Boston.
The result put Scotland top of the group after Morocco and Brazil drew 1-1 in New Jersey, according to AFP. It also marked Scotland’s first World Cup win since beating Sweden 2-1 in 1990 and their first victory at any major tournament since Euro 96.
McGinn, the Aston Villa captain, scored in the 28th minute after Che Adams stretched Haiti’s defence and Ben Gannon-Doak’s delivery dropped into the midfielder’s path. AFP reported that McGinn’s shot beat the goalkeeper with help from a touch off Jean-Ricner Bellegarde’s outstretched leg.
The stadium was filled to its 64,000 capacity, with Scottish supporters making up the majority of the crowd, AFP reported. Many had travelled to the United States for Scotland’s first World Cup appearance since 1998.
Scotland are trying to reach the knockout rounds of a World Cup for the first time. AFP reported that the win improves their position in the race for the last 32, with the eight best third-placed teams also advancing from the group stage.
Scotland survive late pressure
Scotland nearly went ahead earlier in the first half when Scott McTominay struck the post in the 17th minute. The Napoli midfielder met a lay-off from Gannon-Doak at the edge of the area and drove his effort against the woodwork, AFP reported.
McTominay had been cleared to start after recovering from a stomach bug. AFP noted that he had scored an overhead kick in the qualifying win over Denmark that secured Scotland’s place at the tournament.
Haiti, ranked 84th in the world, entered as one of the lowest-ranked teams in the competition, according to AFP. Scotland faced pressure to win before tougher group matches against Morocco and Brazil.
Haiti grew into the game and pushed Scotland back after falling behind. AFP reported that Ruben Providence caused problems from wide areas, while Frantzdy Pierrot came close to an equaliser in the 85th minute when his header went narrowly wide.
Scotland could not turn their lead into a more comfortable margin, and Clarke’s team had to defend through a nervy finish. Haiti were chasing their first point at a World Cup after losing all three matches in their only previous appearance, in 1974.
Group C schedule tightens
AFP reported that Haiti’s qualification has been one of the notable stories of the tournament because turmoil in the country prevented the team from playing qualifiers at home. Their lineup included Bellegarde and striker Wilson Isidor, both of whom played regularly in the English Premier League this season.
Scotland next face Morocco at the same venue on Friday before travelling to Miami to play Brazil. Haiti’s next match is against Brazil in Philadelphia.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.