World Cup Day Three: Scotland Make Emotional Return as Brazil and Switzerland Held

Scotland marked their long-awaited return to the World Cup with a nervy but historic 1-0 win over Haiti, while Brazil were pegged back to a 1-1 draw by an impressive Morocco side and Switzerland were denied victory by a dramatic late own goal against Qatar. Australia rounded off a dramatic day with a commanding 2-0 victory over Turkey. In Group C, Scotland ended a 28-year absence from the World Cup in fitting fashion at the Boston Stadium in Foxborough. Aston Villa captain John McGinn gave the Scots the lead before half-time, his deflected effort wrong-footing the Haiti goalkeeper to make it 1-0. Scotland were far from their fluent best after the break as Haiti grew into the game and threatened on several occasions, most notably through Frantzdy Pierrot, who twice came agonisingly close to an equaliser. Clarke's side held on for a result that sparked wild celebrations among the Tartan Army. The 1-0 win represents Scotland's first at a World Cup since 1990 and their first appearance at the tournament since France 1998. It also sends them to the top of Group C ahead of their next fixture against Morocco on 19 June. "It's been a long time coming," said an emotional McGinn afterwards. "It was a must-win game and we won." Also in Group C, Brazil were made to work hard in a 1-1 draw with Morocco in New Jersey. Morocco struck first through Ismael Saibari, and Carlo Ancelotti's side looked underwhelming for long stretches against an Atlas Lions outfit that fully earned their point. It took a moment of individual brilliance from Vinícius Júnior to rescue the Seleção, his fine equaliser preventing what would have been a shock opening defeat. The draw leaves Brazil and Morocco level in the standings, with Scotland leading the group. In Group B, Qatar snatched a dramatic 1-1 draw against Switzerland courtesy of a late own goal by Swiss defender Miro Muheim. Switzerland had been on course for victory before the unfortunate error handed the host nation a share of the spoils. The result means all four teams in Group B are level on one point after the first round of matches, setting up a closely contested battle for qualification. In Group D, Australia impressed with a disciplined 2-0 win over Turkey in Vancouver. Young forward Nestory Irankunda combined with Paul Okon-Engstler to produce one of the goals of the day, before Connor Metcalfe added a second to seal the points. Head coach Tony Popovic was effusive in his praise afterwards: "Proud. Proud to be here as head coach. To experience this, put a smile on people's faces." The result puts Australia level on points with the United States at the top of Group D. Upcoming Matches  for June 14 (all times EST): 1:00 p.m. — Germany v Curaçao, Group E4:00 p.m. — Netherlands v Japan, Group E7:00 p.m. — Côte d'Ivoire v Ecuador, Group F10:00 p.m. — Sweden v Tunisia, Group F