Scotland’s first men’s World Cup match in 28 years is so far going to plan, with the Tartan Army’s long-awaited return against Haiti potentially crucial to their chances of getting through to the knockout stages.
Steve Clarke’s side, who sealed their qualification after a sensational win over Denmark in November, were also drawn with Brazil and Morocco in Group C – two of their opponents from the last time they played on the global stage in 1998.
Haiti are among the lowest-ranked teams at the World Cup and three points could be enough to go through as one of the best-ranked third-place sides, so Scotland’s opening game in Boston is seen as a “must-win” opportunity.
Scotland’s talisman Scott McTominay features after overcoming a stomach bug, and he even rattled the post early on here, but it was John McGinn who gave the Scots the lead with a deflected strike later in the first half.
Can Scotland get a priceless win tonight? Follow updates from Scotland v Haiti, below
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
53’ – Providence hangs up a decent cross from the left that no Haiti team-mate is able to meet. It’s a warning for Scotland.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
52’ – It remains stop start, no discernible pattern developing since the restart. We’re already up to 26 fouls.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
49’ – Gannon-Doak continues to get the better of Experience, earning a foul that should be punishable with a yellow since it’s rather similar to what Hickey has just been booked for. Instead it’s just a free kick, which does not result in a meaningful attack.
Haiti 0-1 Scotland
47’ – Hickey goes into the book for a tug on Providence.
Restarted! Haiti 0-1 Scotland
46’ – Haiti resume with a novelty – passing it back instead of immediately launching it.
The players are back out, limbering up for another edgy half of football. Scotland must keep their cool if Haiti continue to pile the pressure on.
The ‘Mc’ omen
John McGinn is only the second “Mc” ever to score for Scotland in a World Cup.
The first was Stuart McCall, and Scotland won that game, which may be a good omen. Or perhaps completely irrelevant.
Top of the group
Half way there. As it stands, Scotland are top of the group, above Brazil and Morocco.
