Haiti 0-1 Scotland: Steve Clarke reflects on 'must-win' World Cup Group C opener as Andy Robertson says players 'achieved their dreams'

14.06.2026, 08:27 skysports.com

Steve Clarke was in a proud and somewhat defiant mood after Scotland won their first World Cup match in 36 years with a 1-0 victory against Haiti in their Group C opener.

John McGinn's first-half goal was enough for Scotland to take all three points on their return to the competition, with the Aston Villa midfielder scoring his country's first World Cup goal since Craig Burley against Norway in 1998.

Scotland were made to work for their victory by Haiti, who looked dangerous on the break, but Clarke's well-drilled side held on, sparking scenes of celebration among the fans at full-time.

Clarke looked emotional as he spoke to BBC Sport after the game as Scotland were relieved of some of the pressure put on them and perhaps proving a point along the way.

With Brazil and Morocco to come in Group C - which Scotland now top - beating Haiti was crucial if the Scots were to have any hope of reaching the knockout stages.

Clarke said: "Everyone said it was a must-win game - we won the game.

"I just said to Andy Robertson - it's about time we won a game in the group stage. We put the supporters through it a little bit.

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"This is what this team is all about. If they want to play, they can play, but if they have to dig in and show that character and resilience, that's what they do as well.

"Defensively, outstanding. We could have been a little bit better on the ball, but who cares - we won."

Andy Robertson said his Scotland team-mates had "achieved their dreams" just by playing at a World Cup.

The now-Tottenham defender was the first captain to lead the Tartan Army out at the tournament since Colin Hendry in 1998, adding that the victory - while important - added the cherry on top of a historic day.

He told BBC Scotland: "What an amazing feeling. The lads achieved their dreams today.

"It was such a long day waiting, I can't imagine what the fans back home were like staying up so late.

"The fact we managed to walk out on to the pitch and sing the national anthem together, it was so special. To then go and follow it up with a win, it doesn't get much better than that.

"Three important points. People expected us to win, but we had to go out and do it. It was so important to win that game and I'm glad we did it.

"The biggest thing was when we scored we didn't look like conceding, and that has to be a credit to every single player out there that defended for their lives.

"We worked so well from a defensive point of view and when you're 1-0 up, that's what you need.

"It's the World Cup, it's the biggest stage. People get nervous near the end, but we felt pretty relaxed on the pitch."

Lewis Ferguson reflected on the pressure, which came internally and externally, with Scotland fans travelling in big numbers to watch their team at a World Cup

The Bologna midfielder told BBC Sport: "Amazing, the scenes at the end. These fans have waited so long for that, so that was special and it was nice to take it all in.

"For me, it's a relief to get over the line because we were under a bit of pressure at the end. They're a good side, but we came here to win the game. We've done that so we'll move on to the next.

"There was a lot of pressure on us and we put a lot of pressure on ourselves as well to go and win the game. There were a lot of people expecting us to win and we expect to win as well - we back and believe in ourselves.

"I think we can play better. We can create more chances and score more goals, but we came here to do a job and we've done that."

Lawrence Shankland felt there were a few nerves among the Scotland team. As had been well documented, none of them had played at a World Cup before.

However, he reckons now they have a game - and a win - under their belts, it can only help them as they face two further tough group matches.

The forward told BBC Sport: "We knew it was a game we needed to win if we're being realistic about where we want to go.

"No one is under any illusions that it wasn't our best performance, but it's all about winning and we managed to get the job done.

"They're a good side and dangerous on the counter-attack so we knew their threats. All in all, we can be better on the ball, especially in the first half. In the second half, we were a bit better.

"It's human nature. It's been 28 years since we've been to a World Cup, everyone has reminded us of that.

"You feel the pressure going into the game and it probably is a bit nervy out there at times, but we'll take confidence [from the game].

"We've played our first game now and got over that hurdle. We've experienced it now and we'll move on to the next one with two difficult games to come."