Scotland hang on for first World Cup win since 1990 with 1-0 victory over Haiti

Scotland celebrated a long-awaited World Cup triumph on Saturday, edging past Haiti 1-0 to secure their first victory in the tournament in 36 years. John McGinn's first-half strike proved decisive, sending the Tartan Army into raptures.

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The Scots - needing three points against a side ranked among the minnows of the game before facing tougher opposition in the shape of Brazil and Morocco in their other Group C games - went ahead in the 28th minute.

The Scots, who had not won a World Cup match since 1990, went ahead in the 28th minute. A close-range effort from Che Adams was parried by Haiti's goalkeeper Johny Placide, but the rebound fell to McGinn, whose subsequent shot deflected into the net. Earlier, Scott McTominay had struck the post, highlighting Scotland's early pressure.

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A close-range effort by Che Adams was saved by Johny Placide only for the ball to fall to McGinn whose shot was deflected over the Haiti goalkeeper and into the net.

Despite Haiti showing flashes of pace and mounting pressure in the closing stages, Scotland's goalkeeper Angus Gunn faced few significant threats. The victory propels Steve Clarke's team to the top of Group C, positioning them favorably ahead of matches against tougher opponents Brazil and Morocco. This win is crucial for Scotland's aspirations of advancing to the knockout stage, a feat they have never achieved in their eight previous World Cup appearances.

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The win puts Steve Clarke’s men top of Group C ahead of five-times world champions Brazil and 2022 semi-finalists Morocco who drew 1-1 earlier on Saturday.

The Scottish supporters, marking their return to the global stage after a 28-year absence, created a vibrant atmosphere, with renditions of traditional songs filling the stadium. McGinn, who recently captained Aston Villa to a Europa League title, repaid the fans' energy with his crucial goal. Haiti, participating in their first World Cup since 1974, featured players from the English Premier League but struggled to break down Scotland's defense.

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The Scottish supporters made the most of their return to the global stage after an absence of 28 years, giving a lung-busting rendition of “The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond” before kickoff as well as their familiar tribute song for McGinn.