Scotland edge Haiti 1-0 to lead World Cup Group C

John McGinn’s first-half effort took a touch off a Haiti defender and slipped beyond goalkeeper Johny Placide in the 28th minute on Saturday, giving Scotland a 1-0 win in World Cup Group C.

Back at the tournament for the first time since 1998, the Scots secured their first World Cup victory in 36 years. Their previous win came in 1990, when they defeated Sweden 2-1.

Brazil and Morocco, regarded as the group favourites, had earlier finished 1-1, leaving Scotland alone at the top of the Group C table.

Haiti, whose only previous World Cup campaign was in West Germany in 1974, remained without a point in the competition.

The decisive play developed after Che Adams failed to finish from inside the box. Placide blocked the attempt, the ball broke loose, and McGinn struck from 13 yards, with the shot glancing off a defender before going in.

Scotland’s travelling Tartan Army made their presence felt, packing Gillette Stadium, about 30 miles outside Boston, with a strong display of red.

The Scots nearly went ahead in the 17th minute, when captain Scott McTominay found room and drove a shot that brushed the top of the post.

Haiti created its clearest chances after the interval. In the 74th minute, Ruben Providence delivered a cross towards Wilson Isidor, but the forward could not turn it home.

Frantzdy Pierrot also threatened in the 84th minute, sending a header wide of the left side.

Scotland remain at Gillette Stadium to meet Morocco on Friday, while Haiti travel to Philadelphia to play Brazil the same day.