Scotland’s hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of Euro 2024 were boosted by a 1-1 draw with Switzerland.
Steve Clarke’s men desperately needed a win after a crushing 5-1 defeat by hosts Germany in the opening game of the tournament. Meanwhile, Group A rivals Switzerland had dispatched Hungary with a 3-1 victory, before the Germans clinched a 2-0 win over the same opposition.
Roared on by the Tartan Army in the RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne, Scotland took the lead when a driving run from captain Andrew Robertson saw the Liverpool star find Callum McGregor, who pulled back to the edge of the box where Scott McTominay decided to try his luck. The Manchester United midfielder’s strike deflected into the Swiss net off Newcastle defender Fabian Schar, sparking wild celebrations in the 13th minute.
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But the lead lasted just over 10 minutes as former Liverpool winger Xherdan Shaqiri – now plying his trade with MLS side Chicago Fire – scored a stunning wondergoal. Anthony Ralston played a blind pass infield, which was met by the ex-Stoke City man, who hit a delicious curling shot into the top left corner of the Scottish goal.
The stunning effort was all the more impressive as it means the veteran midfielder, 32, is the only player to have scored at all of the last three European Championships and the last three World Cups. And from that point on, the Swiss started to exert their superiority in the match.
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(Image: PA)
The result leaves Germany at the top of the group with six points and Switzerland in second place with four. Scotland have one point and Hungary are yet to register a point, meaning a positive result in their final game against Hungary could see the Tartan Army celebrating qualification to the Round of 16 knockout stage.
Germany became the first nation to advance to the round of 16 after 2-0 win over Hungary. Goals from Jamal Musiala and Ilkay Gundoğan made it two wins from two for the host and ensured there would be no repeat of its group stage exit from the 2022 World Cup.