Scotland chase first World Cup win since 1990 as Haiti opener awaits

Haiti await as Scotland chase first World Cup win in 36 years

Scotland kick off their first World Cup campaign since 1998 against Haiti, and the aim is simple: a first win at the finals since 1990 (4). Clarke's squad is in Boston, settled and ready after two confidence-boosting friendly wins that produced eight goals. The group stage draw offers a genuine path forward, and one victory might be enough to squeeze through (8).

Shankland: the man for the moment?

Lawrence Shankland arrives at this tournament off a 16-goal Premiership season with Hearts, and the sense within the camp is that something is clicking. The striker has noted a "club feel" among the squad, and Tom English writes that Shankland might finally be coming of age in a Scotland shirt (2). With Clarke's tactical setup built around a cohesive unit and Shankland's finishing, the stage is set.

Tartan Army take over Boston

Scotland fans descended on Boston on Thursday lunchtime, toasting the country's return to the biggest stage. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," one supporter said, capturing the mood of a fanbase that has waited 28 years for this (6). BBC presenter Lewis Irons went behind the scenes at the stadium, and the footage shows just how far from Hampden this adventure truly is (5).

Rooney wants Scotland star back at Old Trafford

Wayne Rooney has urged Manchester United to re-sign an elite Scotland international, telling Football365: "you'd love to have him back" (7). The former United captain didn't name the player directly, but the comments will raise eyebrows with the World Cup about to begin.

Gordon reflects on a career of defiance

Craig Gordon, at 43, is still doing things few goalkeepers can. Reflecting on his time at Hearts, he pointed to a stunning save against Dundee last season and said: "I made one of my best saves ever at age of 43" (3).

Remembering Italia 90

Andy Roxburgh and Stuart McCall have been recalling Scotland's 1990 World Cup campaign in Italy, a tournament that, like so many in Scotland's past, ended in hard luck (1). The current squad is determined to write a different ending.

Fan-reaktioner

The Tartan Army are in full voice online too. A new Adidas "Choose Scotland" video featuring Lewis Capaldi, Scott McTominay and Andy Robertson has fans buzzing on r/soccer, with supporters calling it the kind of hype content the national team has rarely seen ahead of a major tournament. Watch the thread here