John McGinn Marks Scotland's First World Cup Goal in 28 Years With Goggles Tribute
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 18
John McGinn Marks Scotland's First World Cup Goal in 28 Years With Goggles Tribute
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 18
Summary
John McGinn said his upside-down goggles celebration after Scotland's 1-0 win over Haiti was meant to spotlight his nephew Jack, who needs protective goggles to play football because of poor eyesight.
The 31-year-old midfielder said scoring Scotland's first men's World Cup goal in 28 years gave him a rare platform to encourage children in Scotland and beyond not to feel self-conscious about glasses or sports goggles.
McGinn said parents have since contacted him to say the gesture inspired children to keep their goggles on or get their eyes tested, turning a personal family tribute into a wider awareness message.
The celebration has spread well beyond Scotland during the tournament, with McGinn saying his name has been chanted in Boston and at Fenway Park as the gesture gained global attention.