It was the perfect start for Scotland at the 2026 World Cup on Saturday, as they secured a huge 1-0 win over Haiti in Boston, United States.
After the jubilation, drama and success of Celtic’s domestic season, attention has now turned to the World Cup.
Any of the Celtic Park faithful hoping for a break from the anxiety of the recent domestic campaign are in for a rude awakening.
Backing Steve Clarke’s Scotland will force them to think again, because that second half was very, very nervy, with former Celtic players Scott Brown and Joe Hart watching from the BBC studios.
As scenes of the Tartan Army dancing and singing in Boston filled the screens moments after full-time, Brown couldn’t resist a cheeky dig at Hart. ‘You wish you were Scottish,’ he joked, though the former England goalkeeper was quick to bat the comment away.
Hart: “I am not hating. I am enjoying that. I wish I were in that stadium now.”
Brown: “You wish you were Scottish, don’t you?”
Hart: “Absolutely not. You have gone way too far there, Scott. Way too far.”
- READ MORE: Celtic fans will love pictures emerging of John Beaton before Scotland’s World Cup win over Haiti
👀 Joe Hart fancies being in with the Green Brigade one day!
Scott Brown and Joe Hart revel in Scotland’s World Cup opening win over Haiti
Clarke opted to leave Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston on the bench, preferring Aaron Hickey from the start at right-back before later introducing Nathan Patterson.
While captain Andy Robertson played the entire game on the left flank, the searing tournament heat and rapid turnaround between fixtures mean Tierney is bound to see action before long.
Nonetheless, it was boyhood Celtic fan John McGinn who wrote his name up in lights, scoring the only goal of the game and helping Scotland to their first World Cup win in 36 years.
The result leaves the Scots sitting pretty at the summit of Group C after matchday one, capitalising perfectly on the score draw between Morocco and Brazil.
Even with his English hat on, Hart, who spent several trophy-laden years at Celtic, stated that Scotland have done something ‘special.’
Brown: “For the lads to win their first game since 1998 is incredible. For us to just get the three points. We are sitting at the top of the group.”
Kelly Cates: “I am just watching Joe Hart’s face as he is watching these scenes of the celebrations after Scotland have beaten Haiti, one of the lowest-ranked teams in the competition, 1-0 and made it difficult for themselves.
“Just explain why this is such a big win for Scotland.”
Brown: “Joe, we never do anything easily.”
Hart: “I am not hating. I am enjoying that. I wish I were in that stadium now.”
Brown: “You wish you were Scottish, don’t you?”
Hart: “Absolutely not. You have gone way too far there, Scott. Way too far – these are awesome scenes. I love it. I am so pleased for them. They worked so hard to get over there. Everyone is partying, and why not? They have just done something special, and they have done it together.”
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