Scotland claimed a crucial World Cup victory over Haiti, with John McGinn's 28th-minute goal proving decisive at Gillette Stadium on a humid June afternoon in Massachusetts.
Scotland traveled to the United States seeking an early statement in their World Cup campaign. Haiti arrived at Gillette Stadium hoping to make an impact against European opposition. Both teams understood the importance of securing three points in the group stage.
The match began with Scotland controlling possession from the opening whistle. Haiti settled into a defensive shape, looking to hit on the counter-attack. The home side showed early intent but lacked precision in the final third.
McGinn broke the deadlock in the 28th minute with a well-taken finish. The Scotland midfielder found space inside the box and fired past the Haiti goalkeeper. The goal gave the visitors a lead they would not relinquish.
Haiti responded to falling behind by pressing higher up the pitch. Jean-Ricner Bellegarde created problems for Scotland's defense with his work rate. However, the home side could not find an equalizer before half-time.
Bellegarde received a yellow card in the 39th minute for a reckless challenge. Scotland's Angus Hickey also saw yellow just after the restart in the 46th minute. The referee managed the game with a firm hand throughout.
The second half saw Haiti maintain their attacking pressure on Scotland. Goalkeeper Angus Gunn made two important saves to preserve the lead. Scotland defended resolutely despite Haiti's territorial dominance.
Haiti dominated possession with 54 percent of the ball but could not convert their chances. The home side registered 15 total shots but only two found the target. Scotland's defensive organization frustrated Haiti's attacking ambitions.
Scotland grew more confident as the match progressed. The visitors managed the game intelligently in the closing stages. Late yellow cards for Curtis and McLean did not disrupt Scotland's control.
Statistics told the story of a competitive encounter. Haiti created an expected goals total of 1.21 compared to Scotland's 1.07. Shot counts favored Haiti at 15 to Scotland's nine, yet the visitors' efficiency proved decisive.
McGinn's performance earned him a rating of 7.5 from match officials. Lewis Ferguson and Grant Hanley anchored Scotland's defense with ratings of 7.7. Gunn's two saves proved crucial in maintaining Scotland's clean sheet.
Scotland's victory provides momentum heading into their next fixture. The three points position the Scots well in their World Cup group. Haiti will reflect on missed opportunities and look to bounce back in their upcoming matches.
