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Online Desk
Scotland marked their return to the
FIFA World Cup with a fairytale triumph, ending a 36-year wait for a victory on
football's biggest stage. The Scots celebrated a winning comeback after
defeating Haiti 1-0 in their opening Group C match early Sunday (Bangladesh
time).
Scotland's last World Cup victory
came in 1990 against Sweden. Although they also featured in the 1998
tournament, they failed to register another win. Returning to the global stage
after 28 years, Steve Clarke's men finally put an end to that long-standing
drought on North American soil.
Playing at Foxborough Stadium in
Massachusetts, United States, Scotland dominated proceedings from the outset.
They repeatedly troubled Haiti's defence with a series of attacking moves but
struggled to find the breakthrough.
The decisive moment arrived in the
28th minute when Scottish captain John McGinn emerged as the hero. A cross from
the right flank created confusion inside Haiti's penalty area, and McGinn
capitalised on the opportunity by firing a powerful shot into the back of the
net, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Scotland supporters in the
stands.
Haiti attempted to mount a comeback
after conceding, particularly in the second half, when they launched several
quick counterattacks that put the Scottish defence under pressure. However,
Scotland's goalkeeper and defenders stood firm to deny every effort from their
opponents.
Holding on to their slender
advantage, Scotland secured all three points and made an impressive start to
their World Cup campaign.
The victory lifted the Scots to the
top of Group C. With Brazil and Morocco playing out a 1-1 draw in the group's
other match, Scotland now sit alone at the summit of the standings with three
points.
For Scotland, their World Cup return could hardly have begun in more dreamlike fashion.