Scotland holds off pressure from Haiti and wins in World Cup debut
Scotland beat Haiti 1-0 this Saturday (13), in Boston, and started ahead in Group C of the 2026 World Cup. The only goal of the match was scored by midfielder John McGinn.
With the three points, the Scottish team takes the lead in the group. Brazil and Morocco have one point each after drawing 1-1 in their debut, while Haiti closes the group without scoring.
The match
Scotland started with more possession in the first minutes and tried the first attack of the match, but stopped in the Haiti defense.
After nine minutes, the Haitians responded with danger. Providence began a counterattack after stealing the ball from Hickey and advanced down the left. He crossed into the area, but Deedson was unable to control it and wasted a good opportunity.
Scotland reacted in the 16th minute in a play built by Doak and McTominay. The midfielder hit the post and almost opened the scoring.
When Haiti started to grow in the match, the Scots took the lead. In the 27th minute, Adams was launched from the right, made a pass and finished for Placide's defense. On the rebound, John McGinn shot and had a deflection from Bellegarde to find the net. Shortly afterwards, the team got scared with a header from Shankland, at 31.
Haiti was unfazed and was again in danger in the 33rd minute, with a shot after a rebound from Isidor. Three minutes later, Pierrot made a good move inside the area and served Providence, but Hickey made the cut. Rocked by the fans, Haiti kept the pressure on and looked for a draw until half-time, but Scotland went into the dressing room with a 1-0 lead.
In the second half, Scotland created the first good opportunity after nine minutes. Adams crossed into the box and Shankland tried to reach the ball, but couldn't. In the end, Doak finished, but the Haitian defense removed the danger.
After an intense and closely contested first half, the pace of the match slowed. Both teams began to feel physical exhaustion, and the game lost intensity.
In the 27th minute, the excitement returned to the pitch with a good move from Scotland. Hickey found McGinn free in the box, but the midfielder dominated and shot wide.
In the next move, it was Haiti's turn. Providence risked a cross shot, and Isidor almost managed to complete it for the goal. The ball passed close to the post.
In the 32nd minute, Bellegarde hit hard from the edge of the area, but the opposing defense blocked the shot. In the remainder, Providence tried to complete the play, but was also blocked by the defense.
The stadium went wild after 38 minutes. After a cross into the area, Pierrot rose to head it and sent it out, wasting a great chance to tie the match. The attacker was again in danger in stoppage time, but to no avail.
Despite the pressure in the final minutes, Haiti were unable to equalize. Scotland managed the lead until the final whistle and secured the three points in their World Cup opener.
Second round of Group C
Haiti's next match will be against the Brazilian team, on Thursday (19), at 9:30 pm, at Philadelphia Stadium. On the same day, Scotland faces Morocco, at 7pm, in Boston.
The group ends on June 24, with two simultaneous games: Brazil x Scotland and Morocco x Haiti. See information about both games.
Source: CNN