After 28 years away from the World Cup, Scotland marked their return with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Haiti in Massachusetts, securing three priceless points thanks to a first-half strike from John McGinn.

The result lifted Steve Clarke's side to the top of Group C following Brazil's 1-1 draw with Morocco earlier in the day and gave the Tartan Army a World Cup victory for the first time in 36 years.

There was emotion in the air before kick-off as Scotland stepped onto the World Cup stage for the first time since France 1998, and they began with the confidence expected of a side carrying the hopes of a nation.

Scotland controlled possession during the opening exchanges, with Andy Robertson and McGinn combining effectively down the left flank. Ben Gannon-Doak, making history as Scotland's youngest-ever World Cup player, immediately looked dangerous and tested veteran goalkeeper Johny Placide early on.

Haiti gradually settled into the contest, however, and began enjoying longer spells of possession. Jean Jacques fired wide from distance before Wilson Isidor and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde linked up well to create a half-chance that ultimately went unrewarded.

The first major opportunity arrived in the 17th minute and nearly produced a moment of brilliance. Gannon-Doak drove aggressively at the Haitian defence before laying the ball into Scott McTominay's path. The Napoli midfielder struck first time from distance, beating Placide but seeing his effort crash against the post.

It was a warning Haiti failed to heed.

Scotland's breakthrough arrived midway through the first half and carried immense historical significance. Grant Hanley's long pass found Che Adams, who quickly released Gannon-Doak down the right. The winger once again outmanoeuvred his marker before drilling a low cross into the six-yard area.

Placide could only push the ball into danger, and McGinn reacted quickest, stabbing home a deflected finish to become Scotland's first World Cup goalscorer since Craig Burley against Norway in 1998.

The goal transformed the atmosphere inside the stadium and rewarded Scotland's brightest spell of the match.

Gannon-Doak continued to torment Haiti's defence and should have had another assist after creating an excellent opening for Lawrence Shankland, only for the striker to waste the opportunity.

To Haiti's credit, they responded strongly. Louicius Deedson, Frantzdy Pierrot and Ruben Providence increasingly found space in transition, while Bellegarde's energy in midfield began to cause problems for Scotland.

Their best chance of the first half arrived in the 34th minute. Providence's effort was spilled by Angus Gunn, and Pierrot looked certain to score from the rebound, but a combination of the goalkeeper and Hanley somehow kept the ball out.

At half-time Scotland led 1-0, but the match still felt open.

The second half proved considerably scrappier. Haiti enjoyed more possession and looked threatening on the counterattack, particularly through Deedson's pace down the right flank. Aaron Hickey was forced into several desperate interventions and eventually entered the referee's notebook after hauling down Providence.

While Scotland struggled to establish control, they remained dangerous whenever Gannon-Doak was involved. The youngster's direct running repeatedly unsettled Haiti before he eventually departed to a standing ovation after an outstanding display.

The turning point came during the final quarter of the game when Haiti failed to convert a succession of promising attacking situations into genuine opportunities. Their build-up play remained neat and composed, but the decisive final pass consistently deserted them.

Scotland almost doubled their advantage when Ferguson's diving header dropped kindly for McGinn, whose effort drifted narrowly wide. Haiti responded through Providence, but his curling attempt failed to trouble Gunn.

The visitors' clearest opening arrived five minutes from time. Carlens Arcus delivered a superb cross from the right, and Pierrot rose highest inside the penalty area, only to guide his header wide of the target when he looked the favourite to score.

That miss proved decisive.

Six minutes of stoppage time followed, but Haiti's attacking play continued to lack conviction in crucial moments. Scotland defended resolutely, absorbing pressure and managing the closing stages with increasing confidence.

When the final whistle sounded, relief quickly turned to celebration among the travelling supporters.

Scotland will care far more about the result than the performance, but Steve Clarke will know there is room for improvement ahead of meetings with Morocco and Brazil.

They began brightly, controlling possession and creating early openings through the excellent Ben Gannon-Doak, whose direct running was arguably the biggest attacking threat on the pitch.

John McGinn's goal ended a 28-year wait for a Scottish World Cup goal and ultimately proved decisive, while the defensive unit showed resilience when Haiti grew into the contest.

However, Scotland struggled to sustain control after taking the lead. Their midfield, despite the presence of McTominay and Ferguson, allowed Haiti too many opportunities to transition and dictate spells of possession.

The final pass in attack was often lacking, and they failed to capitalise on several promising situations that could have killed the game.

Moving forward, Scotland must become more clinical, improve ball retention under pressure, and avoid spending prolonged periods defending if they are to challenge stronger opposition in the group.

Despite defeat, Haiti emerged with considerable credit from their World Cup return. The team showed few signs of being overwhelmed by the occasion. After a slightly nervous opening, they settled impressively and enjoyed long periods of possession against a Scotland side expected to dominate.

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde brought energy and composure in midfield, while Providence and Deedson consistently threatened in wide areas. Their ability to progress the ball through midfield and attack space on the counter caused Scotland genuine problems throughout the evening.

The biggest issue, however, was the lack of a decisive final action. Haiti frequently arrived in promising positions but failed to produce the killer pass, cross or finish required to turn possession into goals. Pierrot's late header summed up their evening: close, but not close enough.

Defensively, they remained organised for long stretches and limited Scotland's best chances. If they can add more conviction and creativity in the final third, Haiti may still have a significant say in how Group C unfolds.

Scotland could hardly have asked for a better opening night.

Following Brazil's 1-1 draw with Morocco, the Scots sit top of Group C with three points, putting immediate pressure on the traditional favourites. You cannot overstate the significance of that.

Instead of chasing the group, Scotland now head into their clash with Morocco knowing that another positive result could put them on the verge of the knockout rounds.

Morocco will also be relatively satisfied after taking a point from Brazil and proving once again that their run to the 2022 semi-finals was no fluke.

Brazil remain very much in contention, but Carlo Ancelotti's side already know they cannot afford many more performances like the one they produced against Morocco.

Haiti, meanwhile, are bottom without a point, but their display suggested they are far from out of the picture.

The group remains finely balanced. Scotland hold the advantage for now; Morocco have momentum; Brazil still possess the greatest individual quality; and Haiti have shown enough to believe they can still influence qualification.

Group C looks set for a fascinating second round of fixtures.