McGinn 'beaming with pride' - and hopes kids around Scotland are too

Scotland’s John McGinn says his “scuffed” goal which downed Haiti in their World Cup opener left him “beaming with pride” – and he hopes kids around the country wake up feeling exactly the same way.

The Aston Villa midfielder’s deflected effort in the first half gave Scotland their first World Cup win since 1990 at their first finals since 1998.

They sit top of Group C as they aim to reach the knockout stages for the first time ever, despite a nervy second half during which Haiti threatened to equalise.

“It wasn’t my best of goals but who cares? It’s been a long time coming,” McGinn told BBC Sport. “I scuffed it a wee bit.

“Haiti are a decent team by the way. We had to work hard for it. Could we play a bit better? Aye. But it was a must-win game and we won. I’m absolutely over the moon.”

Scotland still have to face Morocco and Brazil – two sides with the potential to go far at the World Cup – on Friday 19 June and Wednesday 24 June respectively.

Steve Clarke and his side know they will need to improve, but McGinn says they will relish this victory on their return to football’s biggest stage.

“We’ve been through a lot of hurt as a country,” he said.

“A generation of supporters haven’t seen this. But the pride on my face this morning seeing all the kids going to the parks in a Scotland kit and painting their faces.

“Hopefully when kids get up tomorrow they’ll be beaming with pride because I am. It sets things up for Friday [against Morocco].”

‘My boys are alright’

After back-to-back Euros appearances without a win, Scotland went into their World Cup opener as favourites.

After impressive warm-up victories against Curacao and Bolivia – with eight goals scored – expectations were high for the Scots’ return to the global stage.

They were far from their fluent best in attack, but head coach Clarke praised his side’s resilience as they kept Haiti at arm’s length in Foxborough.

“Just said to [captain] Andy Robertson there, it’s about time we won a game in the group stage,” Clarke said. “Everyone said must win… we won.

“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.”

After such an edgy contest, the sizeable Scotland contingent at Boston Stadium celebrated wildly at the full-time whistle, having seen their country’s fifth ever win at World Cup finals and only their fourth clean sheet.

“The supporters were unbelievable at the end,” Clarke added. “It’s was a good night for the fans and my boys are alright.”