NEW DELHI: Scotland drew 1-1 with Switzerland in their Euro 2024 match on Wednesday, keeping alive their hopes of advancing to the knockout stages for the first time. An early goal by Scott McTominay gave Scotland the lead, while Switzerland equalized through a stunning strike from Xherdan Shaqiri following a defensive error.
After suffering a humiliating 5-1 loss against Germany, Scotland aimed to restore their pride. They found success early when Scott McTominay's shot deflected off Fabian Schar and into the net, putting them ahead in the 13th minute. However, Switzerland quickly responded with Xherdan Shaqiri intercepting a poor Scottish pass and sending a curling shot into the top corner, making it 1-1.
The match saw Switzerland create numerous chances and appear more dangerous, but Scotland's defense, bolstered by enthusiastic traveling fans, managed to hold them off. Swiss forward Dan Ndoye came close to scoring multiple times but was kept at bay by Scotland's resolute defense.
Despite being on the brink of securing advancement alongside Group A rivals Germany, Switzerland missed their chance due to Scotland's spirited defense and near scoring opportunities in the second half. This spirited performance marked a significant turnaround from Scotland's disorganized display against Germany.
Scotland manager Steve Clarke expressed satisfaction with his team's performance.
"That's what we expected. This is the way we've been playing for the last three or four years," Clarke was quoted as saying by Reuters. "We knew what we had to do it. It was a good team performance against good opponents and a good reaction... We're still alive."
Switzerland's coach Murat Yakin reintroduced forward Xherdan Shaqiri into the starting lineup, and the veteran made an immediate impact, causing significant difficulties for the Scottish defense.
Shaqiri's return paid off when he intercepted a poor pass and delivered a spectacular curling shot to equalize after Ricardo Rodriguez narrowly missed earlier with a volley wide of the post. Scotland's goal came after Andy Robertson led a counter-attack, passing to Callum McGregor, who set up McTominay.
Ndoye nearly gave Switzerland the lead before halftime, forcing a save from Angus Gunn and having a goal disallowed for offside. In the second half, Scotland came out aggressively. Grant Hanley almost restored the lead for Scotland, hitting the post with a header.
McTominay also had a late chance, but his shot was blocked by Manuel Akanji.
"We had our chances, but so did they, it was an open game, two really good teams going at it," said Scotland captain Andy Robertson.
Robertson highlighted the team's effort, stating, "It was just about getting back to being us. We've also left absolutely everything out there today."
Swiss coach Yakin acknowledged his team's missed opportunities but remained optimistic about their position in the group.
