Scotland are back in the win column at the World Cup and it only took 36 years.
John MuGinn's scrappy 70th minute strike was enough to edge Haiti 1-0 in Boston, giving the Tartan Army their first World Cup victory since 1989. It's also just Scotland's second World Cup win ever, and a huge step toward ending another drought reaching the knockout stage for the first time.
MUGINN DELIVERS WHEN IT MATTERS
Steve Clarke admitted pre match that starting McGinn over Ryan Christie was probably the hardest decision I've ever had to make. The Aston Villa captain answered him emphatically.
McGinn wasn't at his silkiest far from it. But he was in the right place at the right time to bundle home the winner and send Scotland top of Group C. Clarke challenged him to justify the faith. Mission accomplished.
A SLOPPY RETURN TO THE BIG STAGE
Don't let the result fool you, this was far from comfortable. After a sharp start, Scotland struggled to keep the ball and invited Haiti onto them. The Caribbean side swung cross after cross into the box, and Angus Gunn picked ahead of 43 year old Craig Gordon had to stay alert all night.
Memories of past World Cup heartbreaks against Costa Rica, Iran, and Peru loomed larg. McGinn even missed a golden chance to kill the game with 20 minutes left, dragging his shot wide. Then Frantzdy Pierrot headed wide late on, and Boston stadium exhaled
BRIGHT SPORTS IN A FLAT NIGHT
Ben Gannon Doak was Scotland's rare spark. The Bournemouth wing of the was a nuisance down the right and celebrated winning a goal kick like it was a trophy. Scott McTominay rattled the post with the game still goalless, but strikers Che Adams and Lawrence Shankland were starved of service.
Clarke called this week a different camp, and the result will please him. The performance, though, won't.
WHAT'S NEXT
Scotland are back in Boston on Friday, June 19 against Morocco. With Brazil also in the group and the two playing out a draw earlier tonight. Scotland know they will need to be much sharper. A repeat of this display against Morocco or Brazil could spell trouble.
But for one night, the Tartan Army can celebrate. Meatball did it again. Job done. Just don't ask Scotland to make it look easy.
0 Comments