Scotland’s hopes of reaching the knockout levels of a serious 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 aspect 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, by way of a deflection off Fabian Schar, following a fast counter-attack.
The objective sparked delirious celebrations from the Tartan Military inside Cologne Stadium however Switzerland quickly levelled by veteran Xherdan Shaqiri, who produced a superb, first-time end from the sting of the field after pouncing on Anthony Ralston’s free go.
The 2 sides continued to commerce blows within the second half, with Angus Gunn, glorious when saving from Dan Ndoye within the first interval, once more denying the Swiss ahead from a one-on-one probability earlier than Grant Hanley headed an enormous Scotland alternative in opposition to the put up 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 serious 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 broad.
Grant Hanley hit the put up 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 remaining sport on Sunday would give Scotland an opportunity of progressing as one of many 4 greatest third-placed finishers.
The one blot on the evening was an damage to defender Kieran Tierney, who needed to be stretchered off within the second half having gone to floor clutching his hamstring, a blow that would finish his match.
Star performer: McTominay essential
Scott McTominay’s objective – his eighth for the nationwide crew – was his standout second however this was a superb all-round efficiency from the Manchester United midfielder.
Scott McTominay was lively all around the pitch, together with in each packing containers
He drove the aspect ahead in possession, as he so usually does, taking twice as many photographs (4) as any of his team-mates and rating high for touches within the opposition field (eight).
However he was equally essential off the ball, relishing the project of shadowing Granit Xhaka so as to restrict his affect and finishing up the duty diligently.
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 can be joined by 4 of the six third-placed finishers within the teams. The edges ending third can 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) Objective 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 mandatory – till two sides attain the ultimate on July 14 in Berlin.
