Scotland vs. Haiti live coverage: World Cup returns to New England
World Cup
After both teams traded some early chances, the Scots broke through first.
FOXBOROUGH — For the first time since 1994, Foxborough is playing host to men’s World Cup action.
Gillette Stadium, temporarily labeled “Boston Stadium”, will open group stage play on Saturday with the first of seven scheduled matches in the international tournament, with Scotland and Haiti set to meet on the pitch.
After days of both Scottish and Haitian fans enjoying the sights and partying it up in Boston, thousands of fans are now making the trek down Route 1 for an anticipated bout.
Saturday marks Scotland’s first appearance in the World Cup since 1998, and the first time Haiti will play in the tournament since 1974.
As World Cup soccer returns to New England, follow along here at Boston.com for updates, trending news, videos, and much more from Boston Stadium.
LIVE COVERAGE
10:55: Pierrot gets another heads (this time in stoppage time) and it fizzes past the post again. That may have been the chance for the Haitians. Scotland hanging on at this point.
10:48: Pierrot just misses! The Haitian forward with Mass. ties nearly tied the game, but his header drifts just wide of teh far post.
10:42: Ruben Providence and the Haiti attack have found a second wind, buzzing around Scotland and recovering possession whenever it’s lost. Unforuantely for the Haitians, the finishing touch remains elusive.
10:36: And just like that, the game leaps to life again! McGinn nearly strikes for his second goal, but his shot goes wide. On the other end, a searching Haitian cross cuts all the way across the goal-mouth, but evades everyone (including Scottish defenders) and rolls out for a goal kick.
10:35: While both teams appear to have lost some steam in the second half, that obviously impacts Haiti more negatively (facing the deficit). Expect subs shortly.
10:27: It’s been a somewhat subdued start to the half, with Scotland creating the best chance via another Robertson cross. But it just eluded the outstretched foot of forward Lawrence Shankland.
10:10: Second half is underway! Both fanbases continue to show out.
9:52: Halftime. After a fast start, both teams settled in. But while it was Scotland who eventually found the goal, Haiti has arguably looked more threatening for the latter part of the first half. See you in 15 minutes!
9:40: A real chance for Haiti! After Jean-Ricner Bellegarde charges down the right, his diagonal pass found Franztdy Pierrot inside the box. The former Melrose High School standout slid a slick back-heel pass into Isidor’s direction, but he can’t get a shot on target. Scotland have looked overall better, but Haiti have certainly caused some consternation for their opposition.
9:37: Haiti have responded reasonably well after conceding, scraping together a few half-chances and sequences of possession in Scotland’s end. Still 1-0 to the Scots though.
9:30: GOAL SCOTLAND, and “Boston Stadium” is literally shaking from the noise and excitement of Scottish fans. John McGinn collects a rebound near the top of the box, and his shot deflects in for the first goal of the game. 1-0 Scotland.
9:27: We’ve just passed the first hydration break, and aside from the amusing montage of fans on the jumbotron, it was thoroughly off-putting.
9:19: McTominay hits the woodwork! He smashes a low cross from Ben Gannon-Doak but it just misses being the breakthrough. The ball bounces clear and is swept away by Haiti, who then counter and nearly create a chance of their own.
9:13: Haiti’s fans got a stadium-wide chant going, and their team responded. Wilson Isidor laid it off to Danley Jean Jacques, but he sent his shot towering over the goal. Still, an early sign for the Haitians.
9:09: Both teams trade early chances, but squander each. Haiti’s Louicius Deedson shook free and had space for a shot outside the 18-yard box, but he scuffed the chance badly wide of net. On the other end, Andrew Robertson whipped in a well-aimed cross, but Scott McTominay couldn’t direct his header on target.
9:03: We are underway after an absolutely astonishing rendition of anthems. Both teams quickly settling in.
8:53: Giants flags are out, the teams are marching out, and the anthems are about to begin.
8:49: The Scots are in full, as are the Haitians. Kickoff is approaching, and the excitement levels are rising by the minute.
8:18: Haiti’s lineup is also out. Melrose’s Frantzdy Pierrot starts:
8:01: The Scotland starting lineup is out:
7:49: The scenes not just from the Scottish or Haitian fans separately, but collectively, have been strong:
6:30: Meanwhile, over in Boston Harbor earlier today:
6:25: As far as drink prices go, not very surprising for a tournament like this.
And no, they have more than just nuts for food here.
5:55: The Tartan Army has arrived in Foxborough:
5:45: It was a pretty quiet commute from Boston to Foxborough by bus earlier today — although I’m sure it’ll get far worse as we get closer to game action.
The expected gridlock of Route 1 did little to deter The Tartan Army, however.
5:30: Greetings from Boston (Gillette) Stadium! It’s quiet (for now), but fans are expected to pack into the seats in roughly 30 minutes.
Get the latest Boston sports news
Receive updates on your favorite Boston teams, straight from our newsroom to your inbox.