BOSTON, United States, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Scotland made a winning return to the FIFA World Cup stage after a 28-year absence, edging Haiti 1-0 in their Group C match on Saturday in front of a nearly full house at Boston Stadium.

In a game that also marked the Caribbean side's first appearance at the finals in 52 years, Scotland opened the scoring in the 28th minute thanks to John McGinn's deflected effort. After Che Adams' shot from close range was blocked by Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide, McGinn pounced on the rebound and drove a powerful shot that took a touch off Haiti's Jean-Ricner Bellegarde into the net.

Scotland's Scott McTominay saw an effort hit the post in the 17th minute.

Haiti almost drew level in the 34th minute, but Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn made a double save to deny Ruben Providence and Frantzdy Pierrot.

McGinn came close to doubling the lead in the 73rd minute, but his shot curled just wide of the far post. Haiti immediately launched a counter-attack, only for Providence to drag his effort off target.

Haiti continued to press for a late equalizer, and Pierrot had another chance in the 85th minute, but his powerful header sailed wide as Scotland held firm to secure all three points.

"I'm absolutely delighted with my players - the resilience and character from them," Scotland coach Steve Clarke said.

Asked whether he felt relief at the result, he replied: "Not relief. Everyone told us it's a must-win and we won, so we can be happy. Winning games at a World Cup doesn't happen very often."

Brazil and Morocco, favorites of the group, played out a 1-1 draw earlier in the day, putting Scotland at the top of the group standings. Scotland will face Morocco on Friday and meet Brazil in Miami on June 24.

"Our next two games are against teams in the world top 10, they're tough games," Clarke said. "So we'll go into those games with less pressure than what people put on us heading into this game."

Haiti will next face Brazil on Friday in Philadelphia.

"We're playing at an extremely high level. But you can get punished with one oversight," said Haiti coach Sebastien Migne. ■