Scotland Holds Switzerland to Keep Euro 2024 Last-16 Hopes Alive

Scott McTominay celebrates after scoring against Switzerland

Scott McTominay, the hero of Scotland's qualification, nearly brought Cologne Stadium to its feet with a deflected shot in the 13th minute.

However, a critical mistake from Anthony Ralston, who played a blind back pass, handed Xherdan Shaqiri an opportunity to score with a sublime first-time shot that soared high beyond Angus Gunn.

Kieran Tierney suffered a hamstring injury and had to be substituted, ruling him out of Scotland's upcoming match against Hungary. In his absence, Dan Ndoye missed a clear chance when through on goal.

Despite these setbacks, Scotland, already struggling with defensive injuries, rallied courageously in the final moments. Grant Hanley struck a post with a header from an Andy Robertson free-kick.

Switzerland missed several late chances, but Scotland managed to secure a point, moving them into third place in Group A. A win against Hungary would likely secure their first-ever advancement from the group stage in European Championship history.

Scotland rise to give Tartan Army hope

At the base of the colossal Kolner Dom, tens of thousands of Scotland supporters gathered to witness their team confront a challenge of equal magnitude.

Following their 5-1 loss to hosts Germany last Friday, the Scots appeared a mere shadow of the team that had stunned Norway and defeated Spain in qualifying just a year ago.

Their trademark ingenuity and resilience seemed to evaporate amidst the vast expanse of the Allianz Arena.

However, in this intense atmosphere, they unsettled a Swiss team that had convincingly dispatched Hungary on matchday one.

Scotland's opener mirrored their prowess in the qualifiers. A header by McTominay cleared a corner, with Andy Robertson embarking on a charging run the entire length of the pitch.

After Callum McGregor delivered a weighted pass to the Manchester United midfielder, his first-time shot deflected off Fabian Schar, soaring high into the net.

Despite nervous moments in defense, particularly on the right side during the first half, Scotland weathered a flurry of missed chances by Switzerland as the clock ticked down, leaving fans nervously biting their nails.

Yet in the second half, Scotland attacked with vigor and fearlessness, ultimately granting themselves a lifeline. This was all that Steve Clarke, and the passionate Scotland faithful who journeyed from the city center, could have hoped for.

Missed opportunity for Switzerland?

Shaqiri 'wonderstrike' brings Switzerland level

Switzerland earned widespread praise for their performance against Hungary, particularly during a thrilling first half.

Against Scotland, their attacks in the opening 45 minutes were formidable, especially down the vulnerable right side of the Scots.

In Shaqiri, they possess a talisman few can match. His remarkable goal means he has now scored in the last three World Cups and European Championships.

The Swiss, knowing a victory would secure their place in the last 16, had the ball in the net twice, only for narrow offside calls to deny them.

They also squandered two glaring opportunities.

However, in the second half, as the game opened up and they threatened on the counterattack, Switzerland also showed vulnerability at the back.

They will view this as a missed chance, with a crucial match against Germany looming in their final group game. Nonetheless, four points may still prove sufficient to advance.

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