Ben Gannon-Doak was not even alive the last time Scotland appeared at a men's World Cup. On Tuesday, the 20-year-old Bournemouth winger made certain nobody would forget his name after their first tournament game in 28 years.

With 54 minutes played against Haiti, Gannon-Doak punched the air and roared after shepherding the ball out for a Scotland goal kick — a celebration that lit up the Boston Stadium and ignited the travelling Tartan Army. He understood, instinctively, what every fan in those stands was feeling. He embodied them.

A debut long in the making

Gannon-Doak's road to this moment was anything but smooth. Three major injuries in as many years have repeatedly interrupted his progress, including a hamstring tear so severe it was described as being