They made it hard. But Scotland made history.
John McGinn delivered when it mattered most, firing Scotland to their first World Cup victory since 1990 with a winning goal against Haiti at Boston Stadium on Thursday. The result sends Scotland to the top of Group C on their return to the men’s World Cup after a 28-year absence.
Head coach Steve Clarke described leaving out Ryan Christie in favour of McGinn as “probably the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make.” McGinn answered that faith with the winning goal — though not before putting Scotland fans through considerable anxiety.
Scotland started sharply but struggled to control the game as the match wore on. Haiti caused problems throughout, swinging crosses into the box and testing goalkeeper Angus Gunn repeatedly. McGinn himself nearly let Clarke down, dragging an effort wide with 20 minutes remaining. Haitian forward Frantzdy Pierrot then headed wide late on, giving the Tartan Army one final scare before the final whistle.
The memories of past World Cup exits against Costa Rica, Iran, and Peru loomed large over Boston. But this time Scotland held on.
The result lifts Scotland to the top of Group C. A point from their remaining two games could be enough to reach the knockout stage for the first time in their history.
Next up is Morocco in Boston on Friday 19 June — a test of an entirely different order.
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