McGinn ends 36-year wait as Scotland beat Haiti to go top of Group C

John McGinn's deflected strike gave Scotland a 1-0 win over Haiti — their first victory at a World Cup finals since 1990 — and sent the Tartan Army top of Group C.

Scotland ended one of the longest waits in their footballing history, beating Haiti 1-0 to record their first victory at a World Cup finals since 1990 — a drought of 36 years finally broken on the biggest stage.

The decisive moment came in the 28th minute. Che Adams forced a save from Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide, and as the ball spilled loose John McGinn was first to react, his effort taking a deflection on its way into the net to settle the nerves of the travelling Tartan Army.

It was far from comfortable. Haiti, well organised and dangerous on the break, pushed for an equaliser and tested Scotland's resolve, but the Scots — driven on by the lively running of young winger Ben Doak — defended with discipline and saw the game out.

The win lifts Scotland to the top of Group C, above Brazil and Morocco, who had earlier played out a 1-1 draw. After decades of near-misses and heartbreak, it is a result that will be savoured back home — and one that keeps Scotland firmly in the hunt for a place in the knockout rounds.

For Haiti, there was no shame in the manner of defeat. The Caribbean side competed gamely and will fancy their chances of points elsewhere in a group that has tightened up considerably after the opening round.

For neutrals in Kenya, it was a classic underdog tale with a twist — a footballing nation that has waited a generation for a moment like this, finally getting it.