Scotland secured a 1-0 victory over Haiti in their World Cup opener at Boston Stadium, marking the nation’s first win at the tournament in 36 years. The winning goal was scored by John McGinn, who delivered a strike that was deflected twice into the net. While Scotland began well, the BBC reported they faded and struggled for control, with Haiti appearing better for large portions of the match. Following the win, goalkeeper Angus Gunn described the match as a “battle,” noting that while they were happy to win, they would not be entirely satisfied with the performance. The atmosphere surrounding the match was characterized by high emotion and significant fan presence. A large “Tartan Army” convoy of school buses traveled to the stadium, with fans singing and waving flags. The BBC described the scene as a “nerve-shredding” experience for supporters, who faced a “torture session” of pressure in the final minutes as Haiti attempted to equalize. Conversely, the BBC noted that the event felt like an “antidote” to the greed and bombast of modern football. For Haiti, the tournament represents a significant milestone as the first Caribbean nation to qualify for more than one men’s World Cup. The team, which has not played a home match in five years due to security concerns, features a squad with 16 players born abroad. According to NPR, the team is led by coach Sebastien Migne, who emphasizes the importance of the players “putting your heart in it.” The nation also faces a chronic electricity shortage, leading fans to create “vibrant football hubs” and distribute solar-powered systems to watch the games. The match also highlights the cultural nuances of the sport in the host nations. Al Jazeera reported on the history of the term “soccer,” noting it was likely coined by Oxford students in the 1880s to distinguish “association football” from rugby. While “football” is the dominant term in the UK, “soccer” remains common in countries like Canada and Australia. Meanwhile, NBC News noted that some stadiums, such as Levi’s Stadium, have seen scattered empty seats during matches, which FIFA attributed to fans watching from concourses.