John McGinn scored Scotland’s first World Cup goal for 28 years to ensure a winning start against Haiti in Group C.
Brazil’s earlier draw with Morocco meant victory Steve Clarke’s side could move top of the four-team standings – and they held off a spirited Haiti to do just that.
Scott McTominay hit the post, before McGinn sparked wild celebrations as his deflected shot hit the back of the net on the rebound after Che Adams had been denied.
John McGinn scored Scotland’s first goal at a World Cup since 1998
Haiti – back at the World Cup for the first time since 1974 – showed their threat with glimpses in attack and with the Tartan Army still celebrating an historic goal, ‘keeper Angus Gunn spilled a shot from Carlens Arcus.
Ben Gannon-Doak’s angled-drive shot from a Robertson cross was blocked by Martin Experience for a corner, which ultimately came to nothing.
McGinn missed a brilliant chance to put the game out of reach, dragging his effort wide of the post as the nerves kicked in.
Haiti kept pressing for the leveller and with five minutes remaining Frantzdy Pierrot headed wide from 10 yards, spurning a great chance.
It was a crucial victory for the Scots, but they will need to produce better if they are to get out of the group for the first time ever in their history.
The key moments from Boston…
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17: McTominay agonisingly close to the opener as his effort rattles the post.
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28: GOAL! McGinn’s deflected shot gives Scotland the lead.
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30: Gunn spills a shot from Arcus but it is cleared
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73: McGinn misses the chance to make it 2-0
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80: Perriot nods his header wide
Analysis: Points over performance
Steve Clarke’s pre-match advice to his players was simple – “don’t get humped.”
They did as they were told, but it was a nervy night for those in the stadium and back at home.
Scotland lacked any proper control and know that will need to improve if they are to get out of the group as better sides than Haiti await.
John McGinn scored the only goal, but Ben Gannon-Doak showed again what he can do in a Scotland jersey, although he was not used enough to really make his mark.
The start they wanted, but still much work to do before they take on Morocco next.
What the result means…
Clarke: Everyone said must win, and we won
Scotland head coach Steve Clarke speaking to BBC Sport:
“I just said to Andy Robertson – it’s about time we won a game in the group stage.
Steve Clarke speaks to captain Andy Robertson at full time
“We put the supporters through it a little bit. Everyone said it was a must-win game – we won the game.
“This is what this team is all about. If they want to play, they can play, but if they have to dig in and show that character and resilience, that’s what they do as well.
“Defensively, outstanding. We could have been a little bit better on the ball, but who cares – we won.”
Ferguson: We believed in ourselves
Scotland top Group C after the opening round of games
Scotland midfielder Lewis Ferguson to BBC Sport:
“Amazing, the scenes at the end. These fans have waited so long for that, so that was special and it was nice to take it all in.
“For me, it’s a relief to get over the line because we were under a bit of pressure at the end.
“They’re a good side, but we came here to win the game. We’ve done that so we’ll move on to the next.
“There was a lot of pressure on us and we put a lot of pressure on ourselves as well to go and win the game.
“There was a lot of people expecting us to win and we expect to win as well – we back and believe in ourselves.
“I think we can play better. We can create more chances and score more goals, but we came here to do a job and we’ve done that.”
