Scotland claimed their first World Cup win since 1990 as they beat Haiti 1-0 in their Group C opener thanks to John McGinn's first-half goal.

Steve Clarke's side held off a spirited Haiti side to claim a vital three points in Boston, which leaves them top of the group after Brazil's 1-1 draw with Morocco.

Scott McTominay hit the post before McGinn sparked wild celebrations as his deflected shot hit the back of the net on the rebound in the 28th minute after Che Adams had been denied - Scotland's first World Cup goal in 28 years.

• As it happened | Teams | Stats | Group C guide
• World Cup day-by-day schedule | Latest: World Cup
• Follow our World Cup coverage in the Sky Sports App

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Haiti - back at the World Cup for the first time since 1974 - showed their threat with glimpses in attack and, with the Tartan Army still celebrating an historic goal, goalkeeper Angus Gunn spilled a shot from Carlens Arcus, but the ball was scrambled clear.

Ben Gannon-Doak's angled-drive shot from an Andy Robertson cross was blocked by Martin Experience for a corner, which ultimately came to nothing.

McGinn missed a brilliant chance to put the game out of reach, dragging his effort wide of the post as the nerves kicked in.

Haiti kept pressing for the leveller and, with five minutes remaining, Frantzdy Pierrot headed narrowly wide from 10 yards, spurning a great chance.

It was a crucial victory for the Scots, but they may need to produce a better performance if they are to progress from the group stage for the first time in their history.

The key moments from Boston...

• 17: McTominay agonisingly close to the opener as his effort rattles the post.

• 28: GOAL! McGinn's deflected shot gives Scotland the lead.

• 30: Gunn spills a shot from Arcus but it is cleared

• 73: McGinn misses a chance to make it 2-0

• 80: Perriot nods his header wide

Analysis: Points over performance

Clarke's pre-match advice to his players was simple - "don't get humped".

They did as they were told, but it was a nervy night for those in the stadium and back at home.

Scotland lacked any proper control and know that will need to improve if they are to get out of the group as better sides than Haiti await.

McGinn scored the only goal, but Gannon-Doak showed again what he can do in a Scotland jersey, although he was not used enough to really make his mark.

The start they wanted, but still much work to do before they take on Morocco next.

What the result means...

Clarke: Everyone said must win, and we won

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke:

"I'm tired but absolutely delighted with my players; resilience, character, everything about this group of players had to be on the pitch tonight and it was.

"Not relief. Everyone told us it was a must-win game and we won the game.

"If it is a must-win game and you win, I think you can be happy with yourselves.

"The next two games against teams inside the world's top 10 will be tough games.

"But obviously we go into them with a little bit less pressure than everybody put on us going into this game.

"And as well as everyone [else], we put a lot of pressure on ourselves going into the first game so we go into the next two games with a little less pressure.

"If we defend as well as we did there and show the same resilience, and hopefully play a little bit better with the ball and create a little bit more, we'll be okay."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

McGinn: We've got more gears to go up

Scotland midfielder John McGinn:

"It's crucial. This was our pressure game, the favourites going into it.

"Can we play a bit better? Of course we can. But that's brilliant, we go into the games against Brazil and Morocco with more gears to go up.

"Scotland winning at the World Cup again is the main takeaway from tonight.

"Haiti have scored a lot of goals and are dangerous up front. We kept a clean sheet which is very important."

Migne: We played good football

Haiti boss Sebastien Migne:

"We are definitely disappointed, we were trying to win. I am very proud, we played good football and put up a good showing.

"In the last 30 yards we lacked spontaneity and there was also some poor decision-making at times.

"We rose to the challenge, which is why we are frustrated that we came up slightly short. We hope we can use that [performance] to continue to play well."

Player ratings: