A goal from John McGinn secured Scotland their first World Cup win in 36 years and sent them to the top of a star-studded Group C, as Steve Clarke's side barely held off a dogged Haiti side on Saturday night.
Cheered on by the Tartan Army in Boston, McGinn struck in the 28th minute -- 10,244 days after Scotland's last World Cup goal through Craig Burley's in 1998 -- before Haiti pegged back Scotland in the second half, so nearly equalising through a header from Frantzdy Pierrot that flashed past the post late on.
But Scotland survived, and the three points lifts them to the top of arguably the World Cup's toughest group after top-10 ranked sides Brazil and Morocco played out a 1-1 draw in New Jersey earlier that day.
It could be a vital win for Scotland knowing what's coming; a draw would have left them almost certainly needing to beat either Brazil or Morocco to progress to the knockouts for the first time in their history. They now, however, have a great chance.
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McGinn with the goal, Gannon-Doak with the spark
If Scotland are going to progress in this tournament, three experienced players are central to their hopes: Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay and McGinn. It was therefore no surprise to see all of them make an impact in the first half.
McTominay, the Napoli star who has flourished since leaving Manchester United, rose highest to meet a Robertson cross in the seventh minute but could not keep his header down. He came even closer 12 minutes later, sweetly curling a shot from a pullback, only to see his effort cannon back off the post.
McGinn, however, would not be denied. Just before the half-hour mark, his deflected strike from the edge of the box sparked wild scenes at Foxborough's Gillette Stadium. There was no more deserving scorer; few players embody the hard work, character and fight that have become synonymous with this Scotland side quite like the Aston Villa captain.
But for all those qualities, Scotland have at times lacked genuine pace and flair in recent years. Ben Gannon-Doak provided both in abundance against Haiti.
Gannon-Doak, who looked set to play a key role in Bournemouth's impressive season before suffering a hamstring tear on international duty last November, was a constant menace down the right. It was his jinking run, drop of the shoulder and excellent cross that led to McGinn's goal. Ché Adams could not force the ball past Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide from close range, but McGinn was on hand to finish the job.
Doak was Scotland's main outlet on a night when they were, somewhat surprisingly, pushed back for long spells by Haiti. He also had to put in his fair share of defensive work in a 4-4-2 system featuring two out-and-out strikers. One second-half recovery run prompted a roar from the Scotland support, which Doak enthusiastically returned.
Still only 20 and showing flashes of the talent that prompted Liverpool to sign him as a teenager, Doak could yet emerge as the breakout star of this Scotland team.
Tartan Army cheer Scotland on to nervy win
An estimated 20,000 to 30,000 Scotland fans descended on Boston ahead of their return to football's biggest stage for the first time since 1998 -- helping create another great atmosphere at this World Cup. A rousing rendition of Flower of Scotland was followed by an encouraging start, with Scotland's fans surely hoping McGinn's goal was the first of many.
But it was a nervy evening. The Caribbean country, ranked 83rd in the world, proved troublesome -- offering a threat going forward, only to spoil good work with a poor end product.
Several shots were skied over the bar, several passes were overhit, and several forwards were caught offside. But the biggest heart-in-mouth moment for Scotland came when Pierrot leapt to meet a cross from the right. 10 yards out, he caught it as well as he could have, and it appeared to be curling towards Angus Gunn's far corner.
But wide it went, and Scotland can breathe easy for now. The first test -- while the easiest of their group -- has been passed. Next, comes Morocco next Friday.
Team lineups
Haiti
Placide, Arcus, Ade, Delcroix, Experience, Deedson (Casimir 61') Jean Jacques, Bellegarde, Providence (Fortuné 85'), Pierrot, Isidor (Joseph 76')
Unused substitutes: Etienne, Duverne, Thermoncy, Metusala, Sainté, Duverger, Simon, Nazon, Paugain, Pierre, Pierre, Lacroix
Scotland
Gunn, Hickey (Patterson 75'), Robertson, McTominay, Hanley, McGinn (Curtis 83'), Hendry, Gannon-Doak (Christie 75'), Ferguson, Adams (Dykes 75'), Shankland (McLean 83')
Unused substitutes: Kelly, Gordon, Tierney, Fletcher, Stewart, Souttar, Hyam, Hirst, Ralston, McKenna
Goals: McGinn (28')
Snapshot from the match
Key stats
- Scotland: 2nd win in last 12 FIFA World Cup games (2-1 vs Sweden in 1990 Group Stage)
- Scotland: Its last goal in the FIFA World Cup had been 10,224 days ago when ESPN Analyst Craig Burley scored in the 1998 Group Stage vs Norway.
- John McGinn (SCO): Goal 28'; At 31 years, 238 days old, McGinn is Scotland's oldest goal scorer in FIFA World Cup history
- John McGinn (SCO): snaps a 12-game scoreless streak with Scotland in all competitions. This is his 1st international goal since Nov. 18, 2024 (UEFA Nations League vs Poland)
- Scotland: First FIFA World Cup shutout since 1986 vs Uruguay
- There were 44 combined fouls in the match, the most in a FIFA World Cup Group Stage match since 2010 (Chile beat Switzerland 1-0 in a match that saw 45 fouls)
Information from PA and ESPN's Global Sports Research contributed to this story.