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...

Hamsik suggests McTominay not a regular starter at Napoli after Man Utd transfer


Marek Hamsik admits Scott McTominay could be his heir at Napoli, although the Scotland international may not be a regular starter at the Stadio Maradona: ‘It depends on the system.’

Hamsik released an interview with Il Corriere dello Sport to discuss all things Napoli. The Partenopei have hired Antonio Conte after a terrible 2023-24 campaign and have collected six points in the opening three Serie A games of the season.

One of their major summer signings was McTominay from Manchester United, and Hamsik believes the Scotland international could become his heir at the club.

“It could be. He is an attacking-minded midfielder. He loves late runs and scoring goals, like me, but let’s see,” said the former midfielder.

Hamsik suggests McTominay not a regular starter at Napoli after Man Utd transfer

“It depends on the system. I think he’s a big name, and he has already proved it with Manchester United and the national team—a reliable backup to Lobotka and Anguissa.”

Hamsik feels that his compatriot Stanislav Lobotka is one of Conte’s irreplaceable players.

“He is untouchable; he holds the keys of the midfield,” he said.

What’s his view on the new Napoli coach?

“It was a strong decision from the club. He is a successful coach with enormous experience,” Hamsik replied.

“We all know how he works. He’s the right name after the situation that emerged last season. Enthusiasm and grit are needed, and with him, the journey will be shorter.”

Hamsik feels Napoli’s transfer activity has been convincing regardless of Victor Osimhen’s loan move to Galatasaray.

“I’m sorry Osimhen left, but it’s probably not entirely related to football,” he said.

“I am not involved in this, and Napoli signed a valuable replacement. Lukaku is a top striker and can easily score 20 goals.”

The former midfielder has already decided which path he’ll take after the end of his playing career.

“I see myself as a coach,” he admitted.

“I started this career with kids when I retired, but I believe I’ll need much more time to become the Napoli coach.”

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

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