Haiti fall 1–0 to Scotland as McGinn ends 36-year World Cup drought

Scotland 1–0 Haiti: McGinn's goal settles Group C opener

Haiti lost their World Cup opener 1–0 to Scotland on Saturday. John McGinn scored the only goal of the match, a scruffy finish that gave Scotland their first World Cup win since 1990 (1) (2) (3).

It was a narrow defeat for your team, decided by fine margins in a game where Scotland needed improvement despite the result (1). The match in Foxboro also saw a delayed kick-off, continuing a pattern of late starts at this tournament (6).

Ben Gannon-Doak was singled out as Scotland's best performer, a thrilling young winger formerly of Liverpool who impressed pundits with his energy (7).

Robertson finds loophole in FIFA's new throw-in rule

Scotland captain Andy Robertson used a clever trick to bypass FIFA's new five-second throw-in rule during the match (5). The rule was brought in to stop time-wasting, but Robertson neutralized it by throwing the ball to a teammate who immediately returned it, resetting the count.

One fan described it as a rule that was neutralized the moment it was enforced (5).

Scotland now eye Morocco, a point from the knockout stage

Scotland face Morocco on Friday knowing a single point will take them through to the knockout rounds for the first time in their history (1) (2). Haiti's next Group C match is not covered in the available reports, but Scotland's focus has already shifted to sealing qualification, the belief in their camp is growing (2).

Fan reactions

Haiti fans online have focused on a controversial moment, a potential red card for Scotland's Kenny McLean that was not given. The tackle sparked debate among neutral supporters, with many questioning the decision Link.

Off the pitch, an estimated 5,000 Scotland supporters marched on Fenway Park for a heritage celebration the day after the match Link. Haiti's FA also joined a joint statement with 13 other nations condemning UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin's recent comments on World Cup expansion Link.