Hickey plays key role in Scotland’s World Cup win over Haiti
Brentford defender Aaron Hickey started as Scotland recorded their first World Cup finals win since 1990 with a 1-0 victory over Haiti in Boston.
The full-back was named in Steve Clarke’s starting XI at Boston Stadium and played 75 minutes as Scotland marked their return to the world stage after a 28-year absence with an important clean sheet.
John McGinn scored the only goal of the game midway through the first half, which was enough to secure three points and send Scotland top of Group C, following Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Morocco earlier in the day.
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Scotland had started brightly, with Ben Gannon-Doak testing Placide early on before Scott McTominay struck the post from outside the area.
They made the breakthrough shortly after the first-half water break, when Che Adams’ initial effort was saved by Placide following good work from Gannon-Doak, before the loose ball broke to McGinn, whose deflected strike found the net.
Haiti grew into the contest and remained dangerous on the break, but Hickey produced an important defensive intervention before half-time, making a last-gasp tackle to deny Ruben Providence a clear sight of goal.
The Bees defender also contributed after the restart, with his sharp header releasing McGinn, who dragged a shot narrowly wide as Scotland looked to add a second.
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Clarke’s side were forced to dig in during the closing stages, with Frantzdy Pierrot heading narrowly wide for Haiti late on, but Scotland held firm to claim a memorable opening victory.
Scotland return to action against Morocco in Boston on Friday 19 June (11pm kick-off BST).