The party continues, as does Scotland restore some pride and have a real chance of reaching the knockout stage of the Euro 2024 thanks to this battle draw against Switzerland. After the Munich no-show, Scotland appeared in Cologne when their campaign was on the line. A defeat would have seen Steve ClarkeWith the team practically eliminated, but now, with a precious point in their hands and heads held a little higher, Scotland know that a victory over Hungary on Sunday is all they need to reach a historic round of 16 tie. de-final.
It could have been more if Grant Hanley’s header had hit the post, but in the final moments of a tense night, in a frenetic atmosphere in Cologne, Scotland and Switzerland may have informally equalized. The result certainly confirms Switzerland’s position in the knockout stage of the sixth consecutive major international tournament, with Xherdan Shaqiri he himself equaled that feat after another sublime wonder goal on the big stage. It was canceled Scott McTominayThe opening goal was deflected in by Fabian Schar.
Scotland certainly didn’t disappoint anyone this time, nor did they show the same “fear” that contributed to their disgraceful 5-1 defeat to Germany. Scotland corrected some problems, pressing higher, taking more risks and showing more composure in possession. A lot of that came from the recall Billy Gilmourwhose return brought instant improvement, allowing McTominay and John McGinn to close in on Che Adams and join in the attacks, giving Andy Robertson the platform to bomb from the left.
But it couldn’t do much. Despite a better start, Switzerland gradually showed and imposed its quality, while Scotland showed its shortcomings. Shaqiri’s goal was the latest in a long run of goals for Switzerland and the 32-year-old has scored in every international tournament since the 2014 World Cup. However, it was an avoidable gift from Scotland as Anthony Raltson’s disastrously short pass gave Shaqiri the vision of the goal that manager Murat Yakin dreamed of when he brought the former Liverpool striker back into the team that defeated Hungary so impressively on Saturday.
Clarke’s big change was also vindicated, as his revamped attack and midfield chased Switzerland and brought the intensity that defined the opening victories of the qualifying campaign. He was satisfied. “That’s how we’ve been playing for the last three or four years and that’s why we’re here,” Clarke said. “The players knew what they had to do.”
“It was a lot more like us,” agreed Robertson. “Aggressive on the front foot. Let’s take advantage of the draw and take it to the last game, that’s all we can ask for.”
Having offered next to nothing against Germany, Scotland’s renewed intent was clear from the start, with the Tartan Army applauding at two corners in the first three minutes. This set the tone for the initial exchanges. Scotland, who could hardly have performed worse, at least arrived and gave the traveling number the minimum they deserved, a show of fight and will. At 13 minutes, it was more than that.
Gilmour was the change Scotland were crying out for, a player who could bring composure and quality of touch to midfield. The 23-year-old showed exactly why he was so missed against Germany, chesting a ball down and carefully playing into the advancing Robertson in one quick move.
With the wall of noise behind him, Robertson charged to the edge of the box. The next two passes are imperfect – Robertson is slightly away from McGregor, and McGregor’s retreat is slightly behind McTominay. But for Scotland, this was a beautifully imperfect goal: McTominay’s shot went straight to Yann Sommer before Fabian Schar lifted his leg and deflected the ball into the top corner. Scotland has finally taken off.
McTominay continued to demonstrate an immaculate sense of timing for Scotland, reprising his role as goalscoring midfielder and qualifying hero. It was McTominay who headed Switzerland’s corner and it was he who arrived at the other end to receive the return. For Scotland, it was the perfect counter-attack following a corner they themselves unnecessarily conceded following a Jack Hendry back pass.
This would prove to be a moment of unfortunate foreshadowing. For all of Scotland’s improvements, there remained an inaccuracy in their play. Kieran Tierney, who would go off on a stretcher in the second half with a thigh injury, was another to suffer a corner in an attempt to find his way back to goalkeeper Angus Gunn. Switzerland are too experienced and ruthless at this level to receive such generosity, so in the 26th minute, when the ball came their way, Ralston’s back pass was terribly short and let Switzerland back into the game.
Although Shaqiri certainly made the most of it. His finish was excellent, taking a moment to open his body and lift a stunning, first-time curler into the top corner. It was a magnificently curved and diving blow, giving Gunn no chance. Shaqiri may no longer have the explosive physique to generate such an opportunity for himself, but Ralston’s error gave the veteran the moment he had been drafted for.
This gave Switzerland momentum while Scotland briefly retreated. After seeing two goals slip through his gloves on Friday night, Scotland were grateful for their goalkeeper. Gunn first made a brilliant stop to deny Dan Ndoye after a counter-attack, before Scotland were stopped after a corner and were left in debt for the offside flag as Ndoye reached Akanji’s shot before finishing for the network. In the second half, Ndoye deflected wide when he suddenly slotted home, with Gunn receiving the slightest touch as the Tartan Army were left open-mouthed before exploding in pure relief.
Scotland survived but at a cost as Tierney was taken off and a depleted defense became even more stretched. But Scotland rallied again. After Ndoye’s miss and a spot-on rendition of Flower of Scotland, Clarke’s team looked a threat. Hanley headed against the post from Robertson’s excellent free-kick. McTominay hit a sweet volley but it hit Manuel Akanji square in the face. Akanji, the best player on the pitch, was also on hand to deflect Robertson’s ball home as McTominay prepared to finish.
A winner would have been priceless for Scotland, but a Swiss goal would have been devastating. Breel Embolo, who came in for Shaqiri to bring a completely different threat, escaped and hit Gunn, but was offside. Scotland breathed a sigh of relief, but it wouldn’t be the last. Another Swiss opportunity presented itself, with Zeki Amdouini’s header narrowly going wide, although he too could have been offside. The Tartan Army will need to rest after this, but Scotland are still alive and know what to do next.
