Haiti v Scotland: John McGinn ‘beaming with pride’ after win

Scotland’s John McGinn says his “crazy” goal against Haiti in their World Cup opener left him “full of pride” – and he hopes children around the country will wake up in the same way.

In the first half, the Aston Villa midfielder went wide and the Scotsman scored. World Cup victory for the first time since 1990 In the finals for the first time since 1998.

They sit top of Group C as they look to qualify for the first time despite a second-half flurry in which Haiti threatened to equalise.

“It wasn’t my best goal but who cares? It’s been a long time,” McGinn told BBC Sport. “I beat him up a little bit.

“By the way, Haiti is a decent team. We had to work hard for it. Could we have played a little better? Yes. But it was a must-win game and we won. I’m over the moon.”

Scotland still have to face Morocco and Brazil – two teams who could go far at the World Cup – on Friday 19 June and Wednesday 24 June.

Steve Clarke and his side know they need to improve but McGinn says he will relish this win as they return to football’s biggest stage.

“As a country, we have suffered a lot.

“A generation of fans won’t see this. But I’m proud to see all the kids this morning going to the parks in Scotland kits and getting their faces painted.

“Hopefully when the lads get up tomorrow they’ll be flying with pride because it’s me. Friday (against Morocco) will set things up.”