Scotland and Switzerland played out an entertaining 1-1 draw on matchday two of Group A as UEFA Euro 2024 entered its second week of action. Scott McTominay opened the scoring for the Tartan Army after his deflected effort beat Yann Sommer. The Swiss hit back through Xherdan Shaqiri who turned back the years with a wonder strike.
It was a crucial point for Steve Clarke’s men after their 5-1 loss to Germany on matchday one. Meanwhile, Murat Yakin’s Swiss side are in a promising position to reach the knockout stages and claim second place. We look at player ratings for tonight’s game at Cologne Stadium.
Scotland National Football Team Player Ratings vs Switzerland
Goalkeeper
Angus Gunn (6.5/10)
The Scotland goalkeeper looked shaky at times and his positioning for Xherdan Shaqiri’s leveller was questionable. The Norwich City shot-stopper made some excellent saves and recovered from his Germany nightmare, which included a decent denial of Dan Ndoye’s attempt.
Defenders
Anthony Ralston (4.5/10)
The Scottish right-back’s awful give away allowed Switzerland back into the game and he never looked comfortable against the Swiss.
Jack Hendry (6/10)
The Al-Ettifaq centre-back was perhaps the best of a bad crop at the back for Scotland tonight. He showed desire to keep Switzerland at bay, but wasn’t always assured.
Grant Hanley (5.5/10)
He was another one of Steve Clarke’s defenders who looked vulnerable at the back including when his poor pass nearly allowed Ben Ndoye to pounce in the second half.
Kieran Tierney (5.5/10)
Unfortunately left proceedings in the second half after suffering a seemingly serious injury. He didn’t look overly comfortable against Switzerland although he made two important clearances.
Andrew Robertson (5.5/10)
Liverpool’s left-back failed to get a foothold in the game down the left flank and his usual creativity at Anfield was lacking for the Tartan Army tonight.
Midfielders
Billy Gilmour (7.5/10)
A strong showing from the Brighton midfielder who played with his usual pitbull-like energy in the middle of the park. Gilmour also played a part in Scotland’s goal, using his attacking abilities on the break. He set the tone with his relentlessness and proved why he deserved to start after being benched against Germany.
Callum McGregor (6.5/10)
A calm outing from the Celtic midfielder with his intensity and press paying dividends for Steve Clarke. He also set Scott McTominay up with an excellent lay off for the opener.
Scott McTominay (8/10) [MAN OF THE MATCH]
The Manchester United star played with the typical passion and energy that is expected from a central midfielder. He deserved to be awarded the opening goal after it initially went down as an own goal and he was a constant threat for the Tartan Army. If Steve Clarke’s men do advance to the knockouts, he’ll be vital.
Forwards
Che Adams (6/10)
Ineffective throughout the game and at times it felt as if Scotland were without an outlet. He lacked killer instinct up top and Steve Clarke will be ruing Lyndon Dykes’ absence through injury.
John McGinn (6.5/10)
The versatile midfielder plays a completely different role for Scotland than Aston Villa and playing him so high up tonight didn’t reap rewards. He tried influencing the game, but his usual dominance in a midfield role was lacking.
Manager
Steve Clarke (6.5/10)
Substitutions
Scott McKenna (6/10)
Fared well given he came into a nervy defence and was tasked with keeping a lively Swiss frontline at bay.
Kenny McLean (5.5/10)
The veteran midfielder ensured Scotland kept their composure in the middle while tried helping when breaking forward.
Ryan Christie (N/A)
Lawrence Shankland (N/A)
Switzerland National Football Team Player Ratings vs Scotland
Goalkeeper
Yann Sommer (6/10)
The veteran Inter Milan goalkeeper was fairly untested throughout by the Scots, but looked reliable when called upon. He could do nothing about the opener after the hefty deflection from Scott McTominay’s shot off Fabian Schar.
Defenders
Silvan Widmer (6/10)
The Mainz full-back tried to help the Swiss when breaking forward, but couldn’t really influence the game from the right. He was calm in possession, finding his man with two of four long ball attempts.
Fabian Schar (7/10)
An excellent defensive display from the Newcastle United defender whose presence at the back was vital for Switzerland. He made three interceptions and was unfortunate to have had a hand in the Scot’s opener.
Manuel Akanji (6.5/10)
A decent showing from the Manchester City center-back who looked comfortable in possession and helped keep a late flurry from Scotland at a minimum.
Ricardo Rodriguez (6/10)
The least assured of the three Swiss center-backs on the night, but did well enough for Rossocrociati. The Torino captain lacks the pace he once enjoyed as a left-back now he’s moved into the middle with age.
Michel Aebischer (6.5/10)
A nice showing from the left-back who got involved in the thick of things, winning ground duels against a gritty Scottish side. He also made one key pass and his energy was helpful.
Midfielders
Remo Freuler (6.5/10)
A good outing from the Swiss midfielder and he was tidy in possession, although not too impactful in the middle of the park.
Granit Xhaka (6.5/10)
A somewhat underwhelming showing from the Bayer Leverkusen star’s usual standards, but he kept things ticking for the Swiss.
Forwards
Xherdan Shaqiri (8/10)
The veteran winger rolled back the years with a superb performance that he’s become synonymous with on the international stage. His goal was one for the highlight reel and he was a constant threat with his pace and power on the right flank.
Dan Ndoye (7.5/10)
The Swiss frontman was lively throughout and was a problem for Steve Clarke’s defenders with his pace and hunger. His performance merited a goal, but overall a good showing from the Bologna forward.
Ruben Vargas (7/10)
The Augsburg attacker was a bright spark and wasn’t afraid to try his luck at goal. Had he been more clinical, he may have netted on the night but fared well.
Manager
Murat Yakin (7/10)
Substitutions
Breel Embolo (7/10)
His speed was a nightmare for the Scots as the game petered into the latter stages. He also had the ball in the back of the net with a clever finish, but was ruled offside.
Vincent Sierro (5.5/10)
Looked to help Switzerland control proceedings, but Scotland became the stronger side late on and he couldn’t shift the tide.
Fabian Rieder (6.5/10)
An energetic impact off the bench and looked a threat with the purpose to drive forward.
Leonidas Stergiou (6/10)
Helped out at the back as the Tartan Army ventured forward looking for the winner.
Zeki Amdouni (5/10)
The Burnley man spurned a chance in his late outing, but didn’t have enough time to truly have an impact.
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