Scotland beat Haiti 1-0 to mark a winning return to the World Cup

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 14 Jun 2026 A scrappy finish by John McGinn allowed Scotland to mark their return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence with a nervy 1-0 win over outsiders Haiti. Aston Villa captain McGinn fired in with the aid of a deflection just before the half-hour mark at the Gillette Stadium just outside Boston, which was filled to its 64,000 capacity with a majority of Scottish fans. They have travelled to the United States in large numbers to follow Scotland’s first World Cup campaign since 1998 and were able to celebrate a rare victory at the tournament as they go top of Group C. It is Scotland’s first win at a World Cup since a 2-1 defeat of Sweden in Italy in 1990, and their first victory at any major tournament in 30 years, since Euro 96. Steve Clarke’s team are bidding to make history by reaching the knockout stages, something Scotland have never done at the World Cup. They had to hang on grimly at the end, but the victory puts them on course to get to the last 32, especially as t...

Scott McTominay is ‘the best Serie A signing in 2024’, with Man Utd to Napoli deal imminent

Manchester United will officially confirm the departure of midfielder Scott McTominay to Napoli.

Scott McTominay was given a hero’s welcome as he arrived in Napoli to put the finishing touches on his £25 million move to the club.

At Manchester United, McTominay had become part of the furniture, a key squad player over the past seven years since making his debut under Jose Mourinho.

McTominay has provided some big moments through the years too, and it is a sad yet pragmatic decision to let him leave.

While it is notable to see Scott McTominay leave, there are mixed views on the impact it will have on the Manchester United team. At the least, there is a shared view that he is a loss as a squad player.

Rio Ferdinand was on record stating that McTominay is ‘huge’ for United and his sale, in his view, is a mistake.

Over in Napoli, the excitement displayed by fans greeting to welcome his arrival is spelled out by the editor of local outlet Il Napolista.

Massimiliano Gallo believes the move for Scott McTominay is the best deal concluded by any Serie A club this summer, and overshadows the arrival of his teammate Romelu Lukaku.

He is quote, via Napoli Magazine: “Without Conte, these players would not have come. McTominay’s inclusion? English football is different from Italian football, there could be some problems, but this is a very strong player, a flag bearer for Manchester United and there was great controversy when he was sold.

“For me, he is the cover purchase of this campaign, the best purchase in Serie A.”

Gallo believes the only comparable Serie A signing is Juventus’ move for Douglas Luiz.

He is confident McTominay will have a starting role for Napoli, confident the Scotland international will be a key part of Antonio Conte’s plans.

“In terms of characteristics, he is close to Anguissa, but he is more dangerous in the penalty area. He certainly doesn’t come to Naples from Manchester United to sit on the bench”, Gallo added.

Another Manchester United youth graduate recently featured for Napoli, McTominay’s former teammate Axel Tuanzebe.

Tuanzebe signed on loan for Napoli in early 2022, but faced tough competition for places, and struggled even more so with injuries.

McTominay should face no such issues, he was one of United’s most reliable players in terms of fitness, and there will be a spot for him in Antonio Conte’s system.

While there are some players who have left the club this summer who may elicit only a shrug of the shoulders from supporters, McTominay’s exit is really intriguing, and fans will be following his exploits with some interest.

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