The Scots absolutely had to put behind them the crushing defeat suffered by the hosts, Germany, during the debut match which they lost 5-1. The team of Steve Clarke, former Chelsea star as a player, who arrived on the bench of the blue and white team in 2019, was forced to win if he wanted to get back into the running for qualification. On the other hand, the Swiss wanted to repeat the success of their debut against Hungary, a match they won 3-1. For them, victory meant getting through to the round of 16. After the first 45′ balance reigns. Shaquiri repairs McTominay’s goal and sends the teams to the locker rooms with the score 1-1. The second half does not change the score. A draw that allows the Swiss the possibility of even playing for first place in group A, if they manage to beat Germany on Sunday. Scotland’s hopes of being one of the best third-placed teams, with one point in two games, are all pinned on the match against Hungary, still scoreless.
In the afternoon, Germany secured their place in the round of 16, with their second victory, beating Hungary 2-0. Goals from Musiala in the 22nd minute and Gundogan in the 67th minute decided the match.
The “Group A” ranking sees the Germans at 6 points, 4 points for the Swiss, Scotland 1, Hungary still at 0 points.
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European Championships 2024. Scotland – Switzerland, goal from Shaqiri
First fraction. Scotland immediately started strong, trying to press Switzerland very high. And they found the lead in the 13th minute with a goal from McTominay. Switzerland is unable to find the right key to undermine the opposing defense. But Murat Yakin’s team took advantage of a mistake by Scotland and Shaqiri found the equalizer from outside the area in the 26th minute, the ball ending up under the top corner. In this last part of the first half Scotland are paying for some naivety in the defensive line. A goal disallowed for Ndoye for offside by a couple of metres. Scots out of action, the midfield and defense lines sometimes give away free possessions to the Swiss who could do much more damage on the counter. 3′ of added time. And we return to the locker room with a goal each.
European Championships 2024. Scotland – Switzerland, Schaer own goal
Second half. We start again with the same staff as the first fraction. Switzerland, immediately on attack, wins two corners one after the other. In the 58th minute an opportunity for Ndoye, one step away from the lead, he manages to get rid of his marker and one-on-one with the Scottish goalkeeper, he closes at the near post but finds the hand which deflects it into the corner. Switzerland clearly chasing the advantage. But it was Scotland who hit Sommer’s right post in the 67th minute with a header from Hanley. Hands in hair for the footballer. Switzerland was lucky and was saved by Sommer who saved a Scottish rebound with his feet, denying his opponents the opening goal. 4′ of added time. In the end the score doesn’t change. Scotland and Switzerland share the stakes.
Fabio Ferrari/LaPresse Euro 2024, Scotland-Switzerland
The six groups
Group A: Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland
Group B: Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania
Group C: Slovenia, Denmark, Serbia, England
Group D: Poland, Netherlands, Austria, France
Group E: Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine
Group F: Türkiye, Georgia, Portugal, Czech Republic
The group stage will last until June 26th. The top two in the six groups will go to the round of 16 together with the four best third-placed teams. The knockout phase will begin on June 29. The final will be played on Sunday 14 July at 9pm at the Olympia Stadion in Berlin.
Fabio Ferrari/LaPresse Euro 2024, Scotland-Switzerland
LaPresse Euro 2024, Scotland-Switzerland
combo (photo Getty Images) Stephen Clarke and Murat Yakin
