Scotland’s hopes of reaching the knockout levels of a serious event for the primary time of their historical past are nonetheless alive after a hard-fought 1-1 draw towards Switzerland in Group A.
Steve Clarke’s aspect improved significantly from Friday’s 5-1 thrashing of Euro 2024 hosts Germany and took an early lead when Scott McTominay headed Callum McGregor previous Fabian Schar after a fast counter-attack.
The purpose sparked wild celebrations from the Tartan military on the Cologne Stadium, however Switzerland quickly equalized via veteran Xherdon Shaqiri, who fired an excellent first-time strike from the sting of the field after pouncing on Anthony Ralston’s misplaced move.
Either side continued to commerce blows within the second half, with Angus Gunn making an outstanding save from Dan Ndoye within the first interval to once more deny the Swiss ahead a one-on-one earlier than Grant Hanley created an enormous alternative for Scotland towards the Scotland crew. submit from Andrew Robertson’s free kick.
Use Chrome for a extra accessible video participant
Chris Boyd celebrates Scotland’s opener towards Switzerland
It was so shut that Scotland got here near taking all three factors and it might have been their first win at a serious event since beating the identical opposition at Euro 1996, however then again they confirmed spectacular defensive resilience to outlive A late scare when substitute Zeki Amduni headed vast.
Grant Hanley hit the submit as Scotland pushed for a second-half win
The draw left Scotland with one level from two video games in Group A, three behind the second-placed Swiss, who narrowly missed out together with Germany. Importantly, nevertheless, it implies that victory over Hungary of their ultimate recreation on Sunday will give Scotland the prospect to progress into the highest 4, having completed third.
The one blemish on the night time was an harm to defender Kieran Tierney, who needed to be carried off within the second half with a hamstring, after which Clarke confirmed he would undoubtedly miss the match towards Hungary.
Star performer: McTominay is essential
Scott McTominay’s purpose – his eighth in his final 14 video games for the nationwide crew – was his spotlight, however the Manchester United midfielder produced an outstanding all-round efficiency.
Scott McTominay was energetic all around the area, together with in each penalty areas
He led the best way in possession, as he typically does, taking twice as many photographs (4) as any of his teammates and main the opposition within the variety of touches within the field (eight).
However he was simply as essential off the ball, relishing the duty of keeping track of Granit Xhaka to restrict his affect and finishing up the duty diligently.
Gunn: We have been 10 occasions higher
Scottish goalkeeper Angus Gunn stated: “The whole lot concerning the recreation from the beginning was 10 occasions higher than final night time.
“The boys managed to maintain it going for 90 minutes. A few of them refused till the top, nevertheless it was extra like us.
“We needed to convey it [the intensity] again within the recreation at this time. We did that and you’ll see the way it labored for the gamers and the followers. It was the push we would have liked early within the recreation.
“Personally, I used to be damage after the sport on Friday night time as a result of I did not assume I did justice. I feel loads of guys felt that approach, too. It was motivation to return out and present that we’re all about.
Use Chrome for a extra accessible video participant
Chris Boyd says Scotland ‘did the nation proud’ after draw with Switzerland
“We needed to enter the final recreation with one thing to play for. We go into the final recreation realizing what we’ve got to do and hopefully we are able to get a giant consequence.”
Captain Andrew Robertson stated: “Far more like us, aggressive on the entrance foot and began significantly better.
“We make a mistake, however Tony Ralston was unbelievable after that mistake. Few may come again after that, however he was a distinct class within the second half.
“We now have probabilities, nevertheless it was an open recreation. It was way more like us and we’re way more glad with the sport. We’ll settle for the draw and there’s something to play for within the final recreation. That’s all we are able to ask for.”
How does the third-place crew rating work?
The 2 finest groups from every of the six teams will advance to the 1/8 finals.
These 12 sides can be joined by 4 of the six third-placed teams. The third-placed sides will enter the league desk, with the highest 4 sides advancing to the final 16.
The third-placed groups of their teams are ranked within the following order, beginning with:
1) Factors
2) Purpose distinction
3) Objectives scored
4) Victories
5) The minimal quantity of disciplinary factors
6) Normal score of European {qualifications}
7) If host Germany is concerned within the comparability, draw
The event then switches to a knockout format, with one-way ties – together with further time and penalties if mandatory – till either side attain the ultimate on July 14 in Berlin.
Statistics: Historical past of the match
Whereas in Group A…
