FOXBORO — The tribute is always Jack’s to see, but the world got its glimpse this time.
When John McGinn’s goal rifled through in the World Cup opener, the Scotland national team’s midfielder unleashed his signature celebration by molding his hands into a pair of goggles and covering his eyes, seeing the crowd and his teammates through them.
McGinn’s strike in the 28th minute was the eventual winner as Scotland edged Haiti, 1-0, in the opening World Cup game at Boston Stadium in Foxboro on Saturday, June 13.
The trademark is a nod to McGinn’s nephew, Jack, who wears protective goggles to play soccer due to poor eyesight. During a pre-match press conference in 2023 (via Goal.com), McGinn said, “A lot of children I played with when I was younger had to wear the goggles, and when you’re younger it’s difficult and you feel socially out of it.”
Here, they were on for everyone to see.
The win, Scotland’s first in the World Cup since 1990, grants three points to the Scots in the Group C standings, ahead of both Brazil and Morocco (1 point apiece) and Haiti (0). The team returns to Boston Stadium for its next match against Morocco on Friday, June 19 at 6 p.m.
“(The moment) meant the world to me,” McGinn said after the win. “I saw Jack come up on the big screen, so I don’t know if that was on the (TV) back home. I’m sure when he goes back to school, all the boys at school will be talking about it. It’s a great feeling and it’s something I’ll continue to do.”
McGinn, 29, said numerous family members were in attendance at Boston Stadium, except for his brother Paul, Jack’s father: “I wish he was here,” McGinn said.
McGinn is a team captain of the English club Aston Villa, which captured its first Europa League trophy in 30 years with a 3-0 win over SC Freiberg in Instanbul on May 20. Similar history was made with his national team in Foxboro, as Scotland is competing in its first World Cup since 1998.
McGinn registered 5 goals and 4 assists in 30 appearances (28 starts) throughout Aston Villa’s Europa League title run this past season.
His World Cup run is off to a memorable start, too.
“He’s one of the leaders and one of the players you look for to make those sort of moments,” Scotland midfielder Lewis Ferguson said. “I’m delighted for him. What a player.”
This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Scotland’s John McGinn showcases celebration for nephew at World Cup
