Scotland Haiti ended in a 1-0 win against a hard-working, energetic & motivated Haiti team. It was though ultimately an unconvincing Scotland performance. For example, Haiti had more possession and created more chances. However, for the Scots getting a win of any kind was the #1 priority. Below, fitba.scot spotlights the Scots who contributed most to a crucial Scots opening World Cup game victory.
Grant Hanley
Solid at the back with his over-my-dead-body penalty box defending, alongside central defensive partner Jack Hendry. Hanley’s inclusion in the squad raised concerns among some, given his age and a club season just ended in which he was unconvincing. Against Haiti though, Hanley delivered 8 defensive contributions in his usual no-nonsense style. Further, it was Hanley’s long ball to Ché Adams running the inside right channel, that led to Scotland’s history making only goal of the game. Pep Guardiola at his deep-lying playmaker best, would have been proud of such a pass.
Andy Robertson
In an already glittering CV, 32-year-old Robertson can now add that he has played and captained his country in a World Cup. Early on he was prominent in Scots attacks, linking play well with teammates. As the Haitian’s grew into the game, Robertson tallied 5 defensive contributions; only Hanley made more for the Scots. Also, Robertson provided reminders of the threat offered from his crosses. Like the rest of this Scotland squad, significantly stiffer tests lie ahead than that posed by Haiti.
Lewis Ferguson
Described by Andy Robertson as Scotland’s best contributor in qualifying, Ferguson again showed why against Haiti. Specifically given a job to nullify attacking threats from the Haiti midfield, Ferguson went about his job in unfussy style. His selection ahead of Ryan Christie symbolises the trust Steve Clarke increasingly places in Ferguson, and Ferguson’s ever growing importance to the squad. With 2 games to follow against teams with an abundance of attacking riches, Ferguson seems in for a busy, crucial involvement at World Cup 2026.
John McGinn
McGinn played on the left in contrast to playing on the right hand side for Aston Villa, for whom he cuts inside on to his left foot with great effect. However, he wrote himself into the history books as the 1st Scotsman to score at a World Cup since Craig Burley versus Norway in Bordeaux in 1998. McGinn’s return to goal scoring form for Scotland was exactly what was hoped for from him.
McGinn’s shot had 2 deflections on the way into the net. However, that doesn’t matter; the record books now also show his name as the scorer of the goal for Scotland’s 1st win at a World Cup since defeating Sweden in Genoa in 1990. Additionally, McGinn could have had a 2nd, but scuffed his shot wide of the far post.
5th in the Scotland all time scoring chart, he now has 21 Scotland goals to his name, one less than Hibs goal machine Lawrie Reilly.
Ben Gannon-Doak
In the Scotland Haiti game, Gannon-Doak again looked Scotland’s most dangerous player. Scotland only created what looked like 3 genuine scoring opportunities. Gannon-Doak was involved in 2 of them. Firstly, he set up Scott McTominay whose controlled shot ricocheted off the post back into play with the Haiti GK well beaten.
Gannon-Doak was then involved in the goal, receiving a pass from Ché Adams whose sublime first touch beautifully controlled a long pass from Hanley. Gannon-Doak then sought to play Adams in to score. The rebound found its way to McGinn who netted what was to be the only goal of this Scotland Haiti encounter.
In a memorable moment, Gannon-Doak later ushered a ball into touch under strong pressure from a Haiti attacker. Pumped up Gannon-Doak celebrated as if he had scored, transmitting his energy to the crowd in doing so.
One of Scotland’s biggest issues is not giving him adequate service, to fully capitalise on the danger that he brings. Gannon-Doak subbed off in the 2nd half as expected to manage his minutes returning from recent injury. He appears to have come through the Scotland Haiti game unscathed. A potentially huge role awaits him if Scotland are to score against the up next Morocco team, who looked sharp in their 1-1 draw against Brazil.
Tartan Army
Tremendous. Yet again an uplifting, life-affirming credit to both Scotland & humanity, on this occasion throughout their time in and around Boston at World Cup 2026.
