Massachusetts, June 14 -- Scotland marked their long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Haiti in their Group C opener at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts on Saturday, thanks to a decisive first-half strike from captain John McGinn.

Playing in their first World Cup match of the 21st century, Steve Clarke's side climbed to the top of Group C after securing their first World Cup win since 1990.

Scotland started brightly and nearly opened the scoring within three minutes when Ben Doak forced Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide into a smart low save after an incisive run. Haiti responded with a spell of pressure, but Scotland's defence remained composed as Angus Gunn was rarely troubled.

The Scots came clos...