Scotland player ratings: John McGinn, Andy Robertson make up for Scott McTominay struggles as Tartan Army seal first World Cup win in 36 years

React to this story

The Tartan Army watched a nervy Scotland battle past Haiti - a Caribbean country ranked a lowly 83rd in the FIFA standings - as Steve Clarke's side completed their first victory at a World Cup finals since 1990.

McCoist calls on Scotland to 'make an impact' on World Cup

Video credit: TNT Sports

McGinn made the difference on 28 minutes in Boston, when his deflected shot ended up in the net after Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide blocked Che Adams' effort from a dangerous Ben Gannon-Doak cross.

Scotland return to Boston to take on Morocco on Friday evening, while Haiti face the daunting task of a match with five-time champions Brazil in Philadelphia.

Here are our player ratings from a frazzled night as Steve Clarke's side made a winning start to their first finals appearance since 1998, to move above Brazil and Morocco, who drew 1-1 earlier in the day, at the top of Group C.

World Cup

Figo blasts 'deceitful' Infantino and calls for FIFA president to resign

6 hours ago

Only time will tell what this means in the bigger picture, but Scotland did not lack heart in earning the three points they had craved.

Scotland

Angus Gunn - 6 - Given the nod ahead of Craig Gordon, and generally dealt well with all that confronted him.

Only dubious moment came in the first half when he spilled a shot by Ruben Providence that was somehow scrambled clear by Gunn and Grant Hanley with the imposing Frantzdy Pierrot poised to finish.

Aaron Hickey - 6 - Had to be mindful of Haiti's counter-attacking threat in what would soon become a tortuous evening for his side and the Tartan Army in Boston, and ended up being booked early in the second half for a late challenge on the lively Providence.

Grant Hanley - 7 - Produced an exceptional display at the heart of the Scotland defence, much like he did in the 0-0 qualifying draw in Denmark, and coped admirably with the considerable physical threat of Haiti.

Only made one error of note when he was caught under the ball in the closing moments as Frantzdy Pierrot headed inches wide with Gunn beaten.

Jack Hendry - 7 - Like Hanley, looked comfortable enough in mopping up the various crosses which Haiti managed to throw into the Scotland box.

Recovery pace was needed to repel the white shirts whenever they launched a dangerous counter-attack, which seemed to be swift and regular.

Andy Robertson - 7 - The captain produced some wonderful crosses going forward, which on another night might have brought Scotland more joy.

At times, looked back to his best moving forward, making you wonder why Liverpool were happy to let him leave Anfield for Tottenham Hotspur.

Ben Gannon-Doak - 7 - Haiti clearly did not relish handling the raw pace of Gannon-Doak. Was involved in Scotland's winner and also set up Scott McTominay for a shot that came back off a post in the first half.

Scott McTominay - 6 - The Napoli midfielder was unfortunate to see a shot come back off a post with Placide well beaten in the first half, but struggled to find real fluency on a frustrating night. Perhaps recovering from the stomach bug which saw him miss pre-match training did not help.

Lewis Ferguson - 6 - Posted at the heart of the Scotland engine room in a 4-4-2 formation, but found the match an exhausting affair with a robust Haiti certainly not lacking the minerals to mix it with Scotland in midfield.

John McGinn - 7 - The Aston Villa skipper will enjoy better performances, but perhaps not a more important goal.

Scotland rode their luck, but McGinn's finish made the difference as he became the first man to score the winner for the national side at a World Cup finals since Mo Johnston against Sweden 36 years ago in Italy.

Lawrence Shankland - 6 - The new Rangers striker put himself about as much as possible, but got little change out of the Haiti rearguard. Did not lack energy or willingness, but will surely enjoy better nights ahead in a dark blue shirt.

Che Adams - 6 - Like Shankland, was always on the move, and displayed some delightful touches in the first half.

Thought he had scored the opener from Gannon-Doak's cross ahead of McGinn's finish. Appeared to run out of steam as Scotland clung grimly to their 1-0 lead.

Substitutes

Lynon Dykes - 5 - Arrived in the 75th minute for Adams, but spent most of his time helping out in defence, which tells you how the final moments of the contest unfolded.

Ryan Christie - 5 - Replaced Gannon-Doak for the closing moments, but could not impose himself on the match as Scotland's aspirations of a crucial second goal wilted in the face of a disjointed showing.

Kenny McLean - 5 - Emerged from the bench to take over from Shankland on 83 minutes, and was lucky to avoid a VAR review in earning a booking for a late high-boot challenge on Josue Casimir.

Nathan Patterson - 6 - Took over on 75 minutes from Hickey and produced a solid showing to help Scotland scramble over the line, with one block in the closing moments. Perhaps vital to Scotland's future health in this tournament.

Findlay Curtis - 5 - Has enjoyed some fine form at Kilmarnock in Scotland, but this is a big step-up in class for the young Rangers winger. Final ball was lacking on the counter and was also booked for leaving a late one on Casimir in the dying seconds.

Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.

Stream the Premier League, men’s and women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live on TNT Sports and HBO Max

World Cup