In surprising turn, the powerhouse Europeans need the Scots to kick-start their run at World Cup 2026

FOXBOROUGH — European teams fully expect to succeed at the World Cup, and for good reason. Eight of the last 10 finalists have been European, and they’ve won four of the last five titles.

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They are favored again this time, but they’ve seldom made such a slow start.

Until Scotland’s 1-0 victory over Haiti before a crowd of 64,106 Saturday night, Euro teams had been winless in this World Cup. Sure, the heavyweights — the Dutch and Germans — don’t get started until Sunday. But it usually doesn’t take this long for Europe to flex its muscles. In Qatar, its teams had compiled a 3-0-3 record after the first three days.

Scotland, though, showed how even an average European team can efficiently achieve a result against an inexperienced foe. The Scots got started quickly, with John McGinn’s backheel to Andy Robertson setting up Scott McTominay. Then, McTominay slammed a drive off the right post following a Ben Gannon-Doak feed in the 17th minute. Finally, Che Adams controlled a long ball, and McGinn’s deflected shot got past Haitian keeper Johnny Placide in the 28th minute.

And that was that.

The Scots controlled the pace, stifling Haiti’s midfield, and staying close to forwards Wilson Isidore and Frantzdy Pierrot, whose best chance was a strong header just wide in the 85th minute.

And Scotland left the impression it could improve, should McTominay get into gear. McTominay arrived in Boston separate from the team, after experiencing a stomach ailment, taking a separate flight with a team doctor. McTominay seemed fine against Haiti, but not as dynamic as he had been in qualifying, or in leading SS Napoli in Italy’s Serie A.

McGinn, though, found himself in the middle of the action, trying everything to slip by opponents, and pleading with referee Mustapha Ghorbal when things didn’t work out.

But there are other Scottish difference-makers. Serie A performers Adams (Torino) and Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), plus Gannon-Doak (Bournemouth). But the team’s fortunes rest with the defense. The Scots seem ruthless enough, but might need more than physicality to succeed. Andy Hickey and substitute Curtis Finley were cautioned, and everyone was willing to mix it up. But Haiti failed to find Isidore and Pierrot often enough to truly test the back line.

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The Scots are making their first World Cup appearance since 1998. And McGinn’s goal was their first since Craig Burley — now an ESPN commentator — converted in a 4-1 loss to Argentina in Bordeaux. Their odds are 150-to-1, and their best chance of advancing was expected to be as a third-place group team.

That was before Brazil and Morocco played to a 1-1 tie. Now, they might be able to realistically contend for at least the runnerup spot.

Scotland’s organized, physical style indicates they will be difficult to defeat. Coach Steve Clarke has been developing the squad since replacing Alex MacLeish in 2019. Clarke has been able to create a club atmosphere, with rivals cooperating and competing for a cause. Robertson has been a key figure. Named captain at 24 years of age, Robertson ended up becoming an inspiring figure, his profile raised while having a long Liverpool career.

“I just tried to lead by example,” Robertson said before the game. “I’ve always just been the way I believe — give 100 percent, always be respectful. I’ve grown into the role, as well. Got the captaincy kind of young, probably made mistakes, as well. But, at that point, there was an issue of players showing up on a regular basis, and I just made a promise to myself — injured not injured, 100 percent not 100 percent — that I would always show up. And people would join me, and, thankfully, I have good lads around me — McGinn, McTominay, [Ryan] Christie, [Kenny] McLean. They came with me and they have that same attitude.

“And, all of a sudden, you’ve got people desperate to come [to the national team]. And, it’s a weird thing, but now everyone is desperate to come for their country, be a part of it, and that’s been able to create a culture.”

As for the Haitians, their only other World Cup appearance was in 1974. They started spectacularly in then-West Germany, but were eliminated after three games. Now, it will be difficult for Les Grenadiers to survive. But, at least they don’t seem as vulnerable as they were in ’74.

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