John McGinn ecstatic to deliver Scotland’s World Cup win after generation of hurt | OneFootball

John McGinn was ecstatic to have delivered a World Cup win for Scotland to a generation of fans who have only experienced hurt at major tournaments.

McGinn scored the all-important goal as Scotland beat Haiti 1-0 in their first World Cup game since 1998, seeing his shot deflect past goalkeeper Johny Placide to break the deadlock in the first half.

Having failed to win at two Euros appearances in the past five years, this was Scotland’s first victory at a major competition in three decades, and McGinn could not hide his joy at seeing youngsters now proud to wear the country’s colours.

“We’ve been through a lot of hurt as a country,” he told BBC Sport. “A generation of supporters haven't seen this.

“The pride of my face this morning, seeing all the kids go to the parks in a Scotland kit, painting their face. Hopefully when kids get up tomorrow they'll be beaming with pride, because I am. What a win, and it sets us up for Friday [against Morocco]."

John McGinn celebrates victory for Scotland over Haiti (PA)

Scotland’s opener against Haiti, ranked 83rd in the world, was billed as must-win due to the calibre of their other Group C opponents, with Brazil and Morocco both in the top 10.

But the Caribbean nation were by no means an easy test, taking Scotland to the wire with manager Steve Clarke hailing his defence as “outstanding” for surviving the pressure, especially late on.

Scotland were shaky at times but managed to see out victory, which took them to the top of the group standings after the stalemate between Brazil and Morocco earlier in the day.

Clarke said: "Just said to Andy Robertson there, it's about time we won a game in the group stage. Everyone said must win. We won the game.

"That's what this team is all about. They can play, but if they have to dig in they do that as well. Defensively outstanding. We could have been a bit better with the ball, but who cares; we won.”