Ben Gannon-Doak provided Scotland with a standout World Cup debut on June 13, as the Bournemouth winger shone for Steve Clarke's side in their 1-0 victory over Haiti at Boston Stadium. At just 20 years old and never previously at a major tournament, the teenager displayed the passion and intensity that galvanized Scotland's traveling support.
Gannon-Doak had been a surprise inclusion for Euro 2024 but was forced to withdraw due to injury before the tournament began. Since then, he has battled three major injuries in as many years, with a hamstring issue in Scotland's November qualifier against Denmark leaving the ligament 'hanging on by a thread.' The winger set up Scott McTominay's overhead kick in that match before the injury forced him off the pitch.
John McGinn secured the eventual match-winning goal, while McTominay—who recovered from a stomach bug to start—struck the post. Lawrence Shankland led the line. Despite the victory, Scotland managed an expected goals (xG) of just 1.05, raising questions about their attacking efficiency in subsequent matches.
Gannon-Doak's emotional investment was evident in the 54th minute when he celebrated shielding the ball for a Scotland goal kick, a moment emblematic of his commitment on his major finals debut.