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...

“He gets lost there” – Napoli warned not to use Scott McTominay in wrong position

Ever since Scott McTominay joined Napoli from Manchester United, Antonio Conte has been using him in a fixed position.

Instead of using him deeper in midfield, the Italian has made space for the Scotland international to operate in the final third. For McTominay, Conte has even changed his shape, often using a back four to make sure the goals he provided at Manchester United can also come for Napoli.

That approach has worked, with the ex-United man shining in the final third and he has two goals to his name so far.

Strangely, journalist Ciccio Marolda isn’t a fan of Conte using McTominay in the final third. In a chat with Televomero, he made his views clear.

He said, as relayed by CalcioNapoli24: “McTominay? He gets lost there. I don’t agree with those who see him as a second striker, if he is moved away from midfield the team is weakened.”

The view is perhaps influenced by McTominay’s physical abilities off the ball and how Napoli have struggled with the physical aspect in midfield.

History suggests that the 27-year-old’s best at Manchester United came when he was used in the box, as he scored vital goals and was always a get-out-of-jail card for Erik ten Hag.

While playing deeper in midfield, McTominay was found wanting from a technical perspective but that weakness gets eliminated when he plays further forward.

Conte has understood that and as he does for other players, is looking to erase McTominay’s weaknesses. What he is doing is wise and it will bear fruit, if it isn’t already.

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