Scotland marked their return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence with a nervy 1-0 victory over underdogs Haiti at Gillette Stadium near Boston. The 64,000-seat venue was packed mostly with Scottish fans who traveled in large numbers to support their team's first World Cup campaign since 1998.

Aston Villa captain John McGinn scored the decisive goal just before the half-hour mark, his shot deflecting off a defender into the net. The win was Scotland's first at a World Cup since a 2-1 defeat of Sweden in 1990, and their first at any major tournament in 30 years (since Euro 96).

Steve Clarke's side aims to make history by reaching the knockout stages for the first time. They had to hold on grimly at the end, but the victory puts them top of Group C. Haiti, ranked 84th in the world, are one of the lowest-ranked teams in the tournament.

Scotland knew the importance of beating the Caribbean nation, with tougher tests ahead: they face Morocco next on Friday before taking on Brazil. Morocco and Brazil drew 1-1 in the other Group C match. Haiti, who lost all three games in their only previous World Cup appearance in 1974, now face Brazil in Philadelphia.

Source: www.aljazeera.com