Scotland bounced back from their humiliating 5-1 Euro 2024 opening loss to Germany with a fairly impressive 1-1 draw against Switzerland. Scott McTominay was influential for Scotland yet again, as he opened the scoring with a strike that took a deflection off Fabian Schar.
The Scots’ defensive vulnerabilities came to fruition later in the second half, allowing Xherdan Shaqiri to hit back for the Swiss. At full-time, the two nations couldn’t be separated at Cologne Stadium on Wednesday night (June 19).
Scotland vs Switzerland Highlights – EURO 2024 GROUP A
13′ – GOAL: Who else but Scott McTominay? The Manchester United star comes to the fore for Scotland as he did throughout their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. The Tartan Army broke forward, and Callum McGregor found McTominay, who drilled towards goal, and a nick of Fabian Schar left Yann Sommer with no chance.
26′ – GOAL: Scotland’s hard work getting themselves in front is undone by a sloppy mistake by Anthony Ralston, who fails to clear his lines. Xherdan Shaqiri pounces, seeing Angus Gunn in a precarious position, and finds the net with a sensational finish that’s typical of Switzerland’s wing wizard.
31′ – YELLOW: Ricardo Rodriguez is the first player to be booked after a late foul on Billy Gilmour leaves the Scottish midfielder floored.
32′ – CHANCE: Dan Ndoye was giving the Scots all sorts of problems, and he nearly gave Switzerland the lead after a neat link-up play with Ruben Vargas. Gunn produced a fine stop to deny the Bologna frontman.
34′ – NO GOAL: Murat Yalkin’s men think they’ve taken the lead when Ndoye shows initiative to guide the ball into the back of the net after a pinball-like scenario in the box. The linesman’s flag goes up, much to Scotland’s relief.
51′ – YELLOW: Scott McTominay was booked for dissent as too much complaining from the Scottish star irritated Slovakian referee Ivan Kruzliak.
61′ – INJURY: Kieran Tierney looks to have picked up a serious injury and is stretchered off the pitch. Scott McKenna comes on in the Arsenal defender’s place.
65′ CLOSE: Grant Hanley hits the post after Andy Robertson’s asking free-kick met the veteran defender’s head. It was agonizingly close for the Scots, who had stepped up an extra gear.
68′ YELLOW: Scott McKenna is booked after fouling Breel Embolo as he ensured Switzerland didn’t catch the Tartan Army on the counter.
71′ YELLOW: John McGinn is next in the book after clattering into Fabian Schar. He could have no complaints.
86′ YELLOW: Vicent Sierro receives a yellow card for a foul on Che Adams.
88′ CLOSE: Switzerland somehow failed to grab a winner when second-half substitute Zeki Amdouni misplaced a header from six yards out. The Burnley striker really should have done better.
Player of the Match: Manuel Akanji (Switzerland)
Manuel Akanji was awarded man of the match after an assured performance at the back for the Swiss in Cologne. The Manchester City man made five clearances and won two of three aerial duels. His calmness in possession ensured his nation controlled proceedings when Scotland were pressing for a winner.
Key Moment:
Xherdan Shaqiri’s equalizer was vital as Switzerland looked for a route back into the game after going a goal down.
Key Stats:
Scott McTominay became just the seventh player to score for Scotland at a European Championship tournament. Xherdan Shaqiri became the first player to score at all of his last three Euros and three World Cup tournaments.
Conclusion
Scotland and Switzerland will be happy with a point heading into the final game of Group A, although the Tartan Army may feel they could have nicked a victory. It was a vast improvement from the dismal Germany thrashing Steve Clarke’s men endured in the tournament’s opener. The Swiss will feel they should have carried the momentum of their 3-1 win against Hungary into this game.
Also Read: Scotland vs Switzerland Player Ratings: Scott McTominay (8/10); Xherdan Shaqiri (8/10) and more