Haiti vs Scotland: Live updates from the World Cup

Live updates: Haiti vs Scotland

By Simon Smale

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Haiti vs Scotland

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16' Scotland hit the post!

D By David Hirst

Spectacular shot by Scott McTominay comes back off the post!

Great effort by the Napoli man.

Inches away from the opening goal.

Update

D By David Hirst

I kind of like Scotland's away shirt but I'd still prefer to see them in their traditional blue.

Would you call it Scottish salmon?

Tough game for Haiti

D By David Hirst

It will be interesting to see how Haiti cope with Scotland's physicality. The Scots have some pretty feisty players like John McGinn.

3' First chance for Scotland

D By David Hirst

Ben Gannon-Doak has a shot from outside the area but it's an easy one for the Haiti keeper to save.

And off we go!

D By David Hirst

Scotland kick off in Boston.

Players out for kick off

D By David Hirst

The crowd is up for this one.

Scotland, playing in the World Cup for the first time since 1998, are wearing their away shirt - a kind of salmon colour I guess.

Haiti, who haven't played at a World Cup since 1974, are in white.

All set for Haiti vs Scotland

D By David Hirst

Hi, thanks to Simon for a man-of-the-match performance this morning.

My name is David and I'll be taking you through Haiti vs Scotland before the big one - the Socceroos kick off their World Cup campaign against Türkiye.

Scotland's best and brightest gathered pre-game

S By Simon Smale

Scotland hosted a 'One More Party' event at The Royale Boston last night.

Here's some of the sights and sounds from Scotland's best and brightest.

Haiti look to spring surprise

S By Simon Smale

- Reuters

Haiti are not at the World Cup to make up the numbers and will be looking to secure a first ever tournament victory that could help carry them into the next round, coach Sebastien Migne said on Friday.

Despite Migne's optimism, they remain rank outsiders in Group C as they prepare to meet Scotland in Boston before facing five-time world champions Brazil and Morocco, semi-finalists at the 2022 World Cup.

As far as Migne is concerned, his players just need to score more than their opponents.

"I hope we can be one of the surprises of the tournament," Migne told a press conference.

"I consider that soccer is a game and in the end there is loser and a winner. If we want to win games we have to score goals regardless of whom we are facing."

The Grenadiers are playing at their first World Cup since 1974 where they lost all three group matches. They also enter the tournament as the second-lowest ranked team, only ahead of New Zealand.

"1974 was our first ever goal but it was 52 years ago," Migne said.

"Today it is a whole different story. Once again we have qualified 52 years on and now we need to score again to achieve qualification for the next round.

"Seeing our opponents [in the group] we have to take it up a notch. If we want to make history, earning a first ever victory and a chance to qualify, we have to score goals regardless of the opponent."

Haiti play Brazil next week before taking on the Moroccans on June 24.

"Maybe my players are less well known but I say that what matters is the trace you leave," Migne said.

"We hope by the end of the tournament we can leave our mark in this competition."

Scotland's aim? 'Don't get humped'

S By Simon Smale

- Reuters

Scotland must end their habit of making poor starts to major tournaments, coach Steve Clarke said on Friday, a day before his team take to the World Cup stage for the first time in nearly 30 years.

Clarke, sounding upbeat ahead of Saturday's meeting with Haiti in Boston, said he was determined to have fun this year after struggling in the last two Euros tournaments when Scotland drew twice over a total of six matches and lost the other four.

Scotland were thrashed 5-1 by hosts Germany in the opening game of Euro 2024 and at the previous Euros a 2-0 defeat by the Czech Republic - in their first match at any major competition since their previous World Cup appearance in 1998 - left them with too big a mountain to climb.

"Obviously we know the last two tournaments haven't gone the way that we wanted them to go," Clarke, Scotland's coach since 2019, said.

"We have another chance, and that's credit to the players that they keep qualifying for these major tournaments. It's great to be here, but we also want to do something special."

Asked what he had learned from Scotland's opening match stumbles, Clarke said the Germany thrashing was easy to analyse.

"Don't get humped," he said to laughter from reporters.

Scotland will face tough opposition in the form of Morocco and Brazil in their two other Group C games but Clarke stressed the importance of respecting Haiti, who are ranked 83rd in the world by FIFA with Scotland 41st.

He said the burden of expectation on Scotland after their 28-year World Cup absence would be felt also by Haiti, whose sole appearance in the competition was in 1974.

"They are also a proud nation. They're going to be here 100% committed the same as we are, and we know that they have qualities that can cause us problems on the pitch," Clarke said.

Scotland captain Andy Robertson said he was determined not to leave the World Cup with the kind of regrets that dogged Scotland after their limp performance in Germany two years ago.

"I think it's the most quality we've had in a Scotland squad for a long time," he said.

Teams news: Haiti vs Scotand

D By David Hirst

Haiti's starting line-up includes Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, who was just relegated from the Premier League with Wolves.

Scotland's main man, Scott McTominay is OK to start after struggling with a stomach bug. Plenty of Premier League experience with the likes of Andy Robertson and John McGinn.

Ghana government threatens legal action over Partey visa denial

S By Simon Smale

- AP

We told you yesterday that former Arsenal and Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has been denied a visa for Canada, meaning he will miss his nations' first game of the tournament against Panama in Toronto.

Well, the Ghana government has criticised Canada's “extremely unfair” decision and has threatened legal action in a bid to overturn the refusal.

The 32-year-old Partey, who is scheduled to stand trial in London later this year, returned to Ghana’s base camp in Rhode Island after Canada denied his visa application to enter the country.

Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday issued a statement criticising what it called “the high-handed and extremely unfair decision by Canada to refuse a temporary residence application” for Partey.

Partey faces allegations from several women dating to his time with English club Arsenal from 2020-25. Partey, who played in Spain for Villarreal this past season, has pleaded not guilty.

Ghana’s government said it “reaffirms the fundamental legal principle of the presumption of innocence, a cornerstone of justice and due process in democratic societies."

"While respecting Canada’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, Ghana considers that reliance on unproven charges in the absence of a judicial determination raises fundamental questions of fairness and proportionality," the statement read.

"Accordingly, Ghana is pursuing active diplomatic engagements with the relevant Canadian authorities on this matter."

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz had also cited a presumption of innocence for Partey when he included the player in his World Cup squad.

Ghana’s government said it had sent an “official note of protest” to Canada asking for the decision to be reviewed, and that it was “determined to explore and pursue all available diplomatic, legal and administrative remedies under Canadian and international law, including, where appropriate, judicial review before the Federal Court of Canada, to ensure full and fair consideration of all relevant legal and factual issues in accordance with due process."

The statement added that the Ministry has been holding talks with Canadian officials and that Ghana “remains committed to constructive engagements" with their counterparts in pursuit of “an amicable resolution in a timely manner."

Partey’s lawyer said in March that the player intends to plead not guilty to two new charges of rape after a woman alleged Partey twice raped her on the same day in December 2020.

He had separately been awaiting trial on five counts of rape related to two other women and one count of sexual assault involving another woman, and the new allegations arose after the first set of charges were publicized.

Partey will be able to play June 23 when Ghana faces England in Massachusetts. Ghana concludes group play June 27 against Croatia in Philadelphia.

“May the beautiful game of football continue to live up to its reputation of uniting nations, forging lasting bonds of friendship, playing by the rules, and promoting fair play both on and off the field,” Ghana’s government said in its statement.

Haiti with a late kit change

S By Simon Smale

Poor Haiti.

The team have had to change the design of its World Cup shirt after it was deemed too political by FIFA.

The jersey originally included a depiction of the final battle of the Haitian War of Independence in 1803 on its front. The image was rejected during FIFA's approval process.

Kit manufacturer Saeta said in a statement it would comply with the ban even though the design "was not intended as a political statement," but rather as a "tribute to the men and women who contribute every day to Haiti's future".

Haiti ready for World Cup return

S By Simon Smale

- Reuters

Residents of Haiti's capital have been cleaning streets and building makeshift seating areas as the Caribbean nation prepares for their first World Cup appearance in 52 years, offering a rare moment of celebration amid the country's ongoing turmoil.

Haiti face Scotland in Boston today in their opening Group C match, marking only the second men's World Cup appearance for the team and their first since 1974.

In Port-au-Prince, where chronic electricity shortages and gang violence have disrupted daily life for years, residents have been preparing communal viewing areas so supporters can watch the match together.

"We will be watching the matches in this area, which is why we are cleaning," football fan Junior Emaus said as residents swept a neighbourhood gathering spot and decorated walls with the Haitian flag.

"We said it would be good to put a screen there to help people enjoy that moment, a very special moment."

Others filled old tyres with sand to create seats for supporters expected to gather for the match.

The World Cup return carries added significance for a country that has endured years of political instability and insecurity.

Haiti have not played a senior men's international at home since 2021, after gang violence surged following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise.

Armed groups later took control of the Stade Sylvio Cator national stadium, forcing the team to play all of their World Cup qualifiers at neutral venues.

Despite the obstacles, anticipation has been building across the capital.

Taxi driver Ronald was among those buying Haitian flags ahead of the opener.

"You know that on Saturday it will be Haiti's first match at the World Cup," he said.

"Haiti have to beat Scotland."

For some supporters, the tournament is also providing a chance to follow the team beyond Haiti's borders.

Noel Risnold, who recently obtained a US visa through a State Department-sponsored exchange programme, said he hoped to attend World Cup matches during his visit.

"I am happy first because I received the visa and because I can take advantage of it to support Haiti at the World Cup," Risnold said.

One squad, many journeys

S By Simon Smale

While we have a quick break between matches, why not get into the mood for the Socceroos match later with a look at this story on where the Aussies have come from to make their bow at this World Cup.

FT: Morocco and Brazil share 1-1 draw

S By Simon Smale

Brazil and Morocco settle for a 1-1 draw after an intense encounter at New York/New Jersey stadium.

Morocco took the lead after Ismael Saibari latched onto a through ball and dinked a superb finish over the advancing Alison.

An individual moment of brilliance from Vinícius Júnior got Brazil back on level terms somewhat against the run of play shortly before half time.

Both sides took their foot off the gas in a low-key second half, with both teams happy to settle for a draw to open their campaigns.

However, Morocco had a great chance to win it in injury time when Alison fumbled a long-range shot and had to scramble to deny Neil El Aynaoui with a strong arm.

90+9' ALISON FUMBLES!

S By Simon Smale

Neil El Aynaoui almost latched onto a loose ball after a diving Alison spilled it from a long range effort.

In fact Alison did really well to get a hand to the follow up shot and keep it out.

That was a big moment for Morocco.

90+7' Chance Morocco

S By Simon Smale

Samir El Mourabet is caught after the Brazil defence just loses a bit of concentration and heads the ball straight up in the air instead of clearing it.

A central free kick that is sent straight into the hands of the keeper. What a waste.