Haiti open World Cup against Scotland, first appearance in 52 years

Game day: Haiti vs Scotland

It's finally here. Haiti play their first World Cup match in 52 years Saturday against Scotland in Group C (1) (5). The last time Haiti were on this stage was 1974. Now they're back.

Sébastien Migné's squad trained Friday ahead of the opener, and the coach is not here just to make up numbers. "We can be one of the surprises of the tournament," Migné said. "Football is a game, and in the end there's a loser and a winner. If we want to win, we have to score goals against any opponent" (2).

Late squad change: Metusala in, Pierre out

Haiti were forced into a roster move Thursday. Leverton Pierre was cut from the squad with a thigh injury and Garven-Michée Metusala has been called up to replace him (1). It's an unwelcome disruption days before the biggest match in half a century, but Migné will have to adjust.

Scotland's McTominay declared fit

Scotland's key midfielder Scott McTominay has recovered from a stomach illness and trained Friday. Manager Steve Clarke confirmed he is "perfect and ready to go" for the opener (1) (7) (9). That's bad news for Haiti, McTominay is the engine of Scotland's midfield and one of their biggest goal threats.

Clarke: we respect Haiti

Scotland's manager isn't taking Haiti lightly. "It's important we respect the opposition, make sure we're properly prepared, we play to the best of our ability and see what the result is," Clarke said. He admitted Scotland have watched Haiti closely: "Since they've qualified, they've improved the squad. They have very dynamic players, especially the attacking players" (9). Respect from the opposition, but also a reminder, Scotland think they know how Haiti will play.

Neymar out, Haiti benefit

A gift from the football gods. Neymar will miss Brazil's first World Cup match against Morocco, and there are serious doubts he'll be available for Brazil's later group games against Haiti and Scotland either (4) (8). That means when Haiti face Brazil in Group C, they could be up against a Neymar-less Seleção. In a group where every point matters, that's a significant break.