Liverpool fans will have been happy to see Andy Robertson lead Scotland to victory in its World Cup opener against Haiti, but there was another player catching the eye with a connection to the Reds
09:20, 14 Jun 2026
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 13: Scotland players celebrate as John McGinn (obscured) #7 of Scotland scores his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Haiti and Scotland at Boston Stadium on June 13, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Scotland's players celebrate after John McGinn's winner against Haiti at the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool fans will no doubt be pleased to have seen Andy Robertson captain Scotland to its first World Cup win in 36 years.
The left-back, who brought his nine-year spell at Anfield to an end last month, led his nation to a 1-0 victory over Haiti in their first game at the tournament since 1998, and you have to go back another eight years for the last time they actually won a World Cup game, making John McGinn’s winner all the more significant.
It will have been an emotional night for Robertson, who will be coming up against Liverpool next season after securing a move to Tottenham, but he wasn’t the only player with a connection to the Reds.
OPINION
Ben Gannon-Doak played a big role in Scotland’s victory, setting up what turned out to be the winner. The 20-year-old, who joined Bournemouth from Liverpool last summer in a deal that could rise to around $34 million, was a constant threat down the right, and it was his cross that led to McGinn’s winner.
Gannon-Doak took on his defender before delivering a dangerous delivery towards the near post, with Haiti only able to hastily clear it to McGinn at the edge of the box, and the Aston Villa star made the most of his opportunity as his deflected strike sent Scotland fans delirious.
The World Cup comes at a good time for Gannon-Doak, who will be aiming to send a reminder after an injury-hit first season at Bournemouth. The former Red missed a large chunk of the 2025/26 campaign after picking up a hamstring injury while on international duty, resulting in him making just 10 appearances across all competitions for the Cherries.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 13: Ben Gannon-Doak #17 of Scotland reacts to the crowd during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Haiti and Scotland at Boston Stadium on June 13, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Ben Gannon-Doak celebrates during Scotland's win over Haiti(Image: Getty Images)
His performance on the biggest stage of international football will certainly help his cause, and it may just lead Liverpool to sit up and take notice again.
The Reds had a buy-back clause inserted in the deal that saw Gannon-Doak join Bournemouth, with the club having insisted it would not have sanctioned his sale had the Cherries not agreed to the inclusion.
There is no indication that Liverpool is considering triggering the clause this summer, despite the Reds being in the market for at least one new winger. Gannon-Doak would likely have to carve out a regular spot in Bournemouth’s team next season before he would be considered again by his former club.
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His performance in Scotland’s opener though is a reminder of the talent he possesses, and gave some indication of why he was so highly thought of at Anfield following his move from Celtic.
“When you join a club of that stature, you see how high the level can really go," Gannon-Doak said of his time at Liverpool in November.
"It humbles you a lot and shows you how far you need to go, but it also shows you that when you do well against those players, you can do it against anyone.”