Euro 2024: Scotland Keeps Hope Alive With 1-1 Draw Against Switzerland
New Delhi: Switzerland edged closer to securing a spot in the last 16 at Euro 2024, thanks to a breathtaking strike from Xherdan Shaqiri that earned them a crucial 1-1 draw against Scotland on Wednesday. Shaqiri’s spectacular goal not only salvaged a point for his team but also highlighted his importance in Switzerland’s campaign, bringing them within touching distance of advancing to the knockout stages of the tournament.
Murat Yakin’s side found themselves trailing early when Scott McTominay’s goal, heavily deflected off Swiss defender Fabian Schaer, put Scotland ahead. However, Xherdan Shaqiri delivered one of the tournament’s standout moments, capitalizing on Anthony Ralston’s poor backpass with a stunning 20-yard curler.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw in Cologne, leaving Switzerland in second place in Group A with four points, just two behind Germany, who earlier defeated Hungary 2-0. Having triumphed 3-1 over Hungary in their opener, Switzerland is in a strong position to advance to the knockout stages, despite not being mathematically certain yet, as they prepare to face Germany in their final group game.
The Swiss have consistently reached the knockout stages in their last five major tournaments. Meanwhile, Scotland remains hopeful of progressing to the last 16, aiming to qualify for the knockout rounds of a major tournament for the first time, with the best four third-placed teams also advancing.
Steve Clarke’s team restored their pride with a battling display that erased the bitter taste of a wretched 5-1 loss to Germany in the tournament opener.
Scotland has only one victory in its last 11 games, but a historic last 16 berth is still a possibility if it can improve its goal difference with a big win against Hungary.
Yakin had marched around the pitch an hour before kick-off gesticulating towards the red wall of Swiss fans in a bid to whip them into fever pitch, but it was Scotland who surfed the initial wave of emotion.
After the humiliation of their meek surrender in Munich, Scotland’s fans were desperate for any sign of improvement, no matter how small, and winning their first corner of the tournament drew a primal scream from the Tartan Army.
From an untimely Swiss mistake, Scotland captain Andrew Robertson launched the sweeping break that gave it the lead in the 13th minute.
Callum McGregor’s clever overlap gave him space inside the Swiss penalty area and he teed up McTominay for a shot that was heading straight at goalkeeper Yann Sommer until Schaer needlessly stuck his foot out and diverted it into his own net.
If there was more than a touch of good fortune about Scotland’s opener, it failed to make the most of the momentum as Ralston gifted the Swiss it equaliser in the 26th minute.
Playing a reckless backpass without looking, Anthony Ralston gifted Shaqiri a golden opportunity. The 32-year-old forward seized the moment, curling a sublime strike into the top corner from the edge of the area, making him the only player to score in the last three Euros and the last three World Cups.
Energized by Shaqiri’s brilliance, Switzerland gained momentum. Dan Ndoye’s curler forced a fine save from Angus Gunn, who also denied Shaqiri’s powerful strike. Ndoye then squandered a golden chance to give Switzerland the lead, scuffing his shot wide with only the keeper to beat.
Scotland suffered a blow with Kieran Tierney’s serious-looking injury but nearly regained the lead when Grant Hanley’s header from Robertson’s free-kick cannoned off the post.
In a tense finale, Switzerland’s Zeki Amdouni headed inches wide. Ultimately, both sides were content with the 1-1 draw.