Scotland’s hopes of reaching the knockout phases of a significant match for the primary time of their historical past are nonetheless alive after a hard-fought 1-1 draw in opposition to Switzerland in Group A.
Steve Clarke’s facet have been a lot improved from Friday’s 5-1 thrashing by Euro 2024 hosts Germany and went in entrance early on when Scott McTominay dispatched Callum McGregor’s cut-back, through a deflection off Fabian Schar, following a speedy counter-attack.
The aim sparked delirious celebrations from the Tartan Military inside Cologne Stadium however Switzerland quickly levelled by veteran Xherdan Shaqiri, who produced an excellent, first-time end from the sting of the field after pouncing on Anthony Ralston’s free move.
The 2 sides continued to commerce blows within the second half, with Angus Gunn, wonderful when saving from Dan Ndoye within the first interval, once more denying the Swiss ahead from a one-on-one likelihood earlier than Grant Hanley headed an enormous Scotland alternative in opposition to the publish from Andrew Robertson’s free-kick.
That was as shut Scotland got here to taking all three factors, and what would have been their first win at a significant match since beating the identical opponent at Euro 1996, however on the different finish they confirmed spectacular defensive resilience, surviving a late scare when substitute Zeki Amdouni headed wastefully large.
Grant Hanley hit the publish as Scotland pushed for a second-half winner
The draw places Scotland on one level from two video games in Group A, three behind the second-placed Swiss, who’re all however certified together with Germany. Crucially, although, it means a win over Hungary of their last recreation on Sunday would give Scotland an opportunity of progressing as one of many 4 greatest third-placed finishers.
The one blot on the night time was an harm to defender Kieran Tierney, who needed to be stretchered off within the second half having gone to floor clutching his hamstring, with Clarke confirming afterwards that he will certainly miss the assembly with Hungary.
Star performer: McTominay essential
Scott McTominay’s aim – his eighth in his final 14 video games for the nationwide staff – was his standout second however this was a wonderful all-round efficiency from the Manchester United midfielder.
Scott McTominay was lively everywhere in the pitch, together with in each packing containers
He drove the facet ahead in possession, as he so usually does, taking twice as many pictures (4) as any of his team-mates and rating high for touches within the opposition field (eight).
However he was equally necessary off the ball, relishing the task of shadowing Granit Xhaka so as to restrict his affect and finishing up the duty diligently.
Gunn: We have been 10 instances higher
Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn mentioned: “Everything in the game, from the start, was 10 times better than the other night.
“The lads managed to maintain it going for 90 minutes. A few of them have been flagging by the top but it surely was way more like us.
“We wanted to bring that [the intensity] back into the game today. We did that and you see the lift it gave the players and the fans. That was the boost we needed at the start of the game.
“Personally I used to be hurting after the sport on Friday night time as I did not suppose I had completed myself justice. I believe numerous the boys felt like that as properly. That was the motivation, to come back out and present what we’re all about.
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Kris Boyd says Scotland ‘did the nation proud’ as they drew with Switzerland
“We wanted to go into the last game with something to play for. We go to the last game knowing what we have to do and hopefully we can get a big result.”
Captain Andrew Robertson mentioned: “Much more like us, aggressive on the front foot and got off to a much better start.
“We make a mistake however Tony Ralston was unbelievable after that mistake. Not many individuals might come again from that, however second half he was totally different class.
“We have our chances, but it was an open game. That was far more like us and we’re a lot more happy with that performance. We’ll take the draw and there’s all to play for in the last game. That’s all we can ask for.”
How does rating third-placed groups work?
The highest two groups from every of the six teams will proceed to the spherical of 16.
These 12 sides will likely be joined by 4 of the six third-placed finishers within the teams. The edges ending third will likely be positioned right into a league desk, with the highest 4 sides progressing to the final 16.
The groups that end third of their respective teams are ranked so as of the next standards, beginning with:
1) Factors
2) Purpose distinction
3) Targets scored
4) Wins
5) Decrease disciplinary factors complete
6) European Qualifiers total rating
7) If hosts Germany are concerned within the comparability, drawing of heaps
The match then strikes to a straight knockout format, with one-legged ties – together with extra-time and penalties if needed – till two sides attain the ultimate on July 14 in Berlin.
