Switzerland’s Euro 2024 dreams remain alive and vibrant as they edged closer to a last-16 berth following a 1-1 draw against Scotland on Wednesday. The standout moment came from their ever-reliable magician, Xherdan Shaqiri, whose stunning strike ensured the Swiss sit comfortably in second place in Group A. Although not yet mathematically certain of progression, Switzerland’s prospects look promising heading into their final group game against Germany.
Shaqiri’s brilliance came after a challenging start for Switzerland. The team trailed early on thanks to a heavily deflected Scott McTominay goal, which ricocheted off Swiss defender Fabian Schar. But it was Shaqiri who brought the spark back to the Swiss side, capitalizing on a dreadful backpass from Scotland’s Anthony Ralston. With a precise and exquisite 20-yard curler, the former Liverpool forward leveled the game, delivering what could be one of the goals of the tournament.
Speaking post-match, Swiss coach Murat Yakin lavished praise on Shaqiri. “Shaqiri proved tonight that he lives and breathes for moments like that. He really deserves that magical moment. He did the only thing he could do with that wonderful strike. It’s still very open. We will do everything we can to make it out of the group,” Yakin said.
In Cologne, Switzerland accrued four points from two games, trailing group leaders Germany who secured a 2-0 win over Hungary earlier on Wednesday. Switzerland had earlier registered a convincing 3-1 victory over Hungary in their tournament opener. These results put Switzerland in a strong position going into their final group game against the formidable Germans.
While Switzerland basks in the glow of potential qualification, Scotland’s journey remains fraught with challenges. Despite a spirited display that wiped away some of the indignity from their 5-1 drubbing by Germany, the Scots are left grappling with their grim record of just one win in their last 11 games. Yet, hope still flickers. If Scotland can improve their goal difference significantly with a big win against Hungary, a historic last-16 berth is still within reach.
“It was a good reaction to a disappointing night against Germany,” Scotland coach Steve Clarke reflected.
. “Heart-breaking moment for Ralston, but if it falls to any other Swiss player I don’t think they score. I believe if we get three points against Hungary, we’ll go to the next stage. We’re a good team and we’re still alive.”
The match kicked off amidst a fever pitch of anticipation from the spirited Scottish fans. Their when Scotland earned their first corner of the tournament, the Tartan Army erupted in primal cheers— a powerful testament to their undying support and desperation for redemption.
Scotland’s furious start bore early fruits. In the 13th minute, captain Andrew Robertson launched a quick break after a Swiss error, with Callum McGregor’s overlapping run setting up McTominay. His shot, bound straight for Yann Sommer, took a fortunate deflection off Schar, giving the Scots an unexpected lead.
However, their joy was short-lived as a reckless backpass from Ralston in the 26th minute handed Shaqiri the chance to equalize. The 32-year-old Swiss maestro responded with a sublime strike from the edge of the box, sealing his spot in the annals of Euro magic.
Yakin’s faith in Shaqiri paid dividends, particularly after he opted to bench Kwadwo Duah, who had shone against Hungary, to accommodate Shaqiri. The attacker’s inclusion marked his seventh major tournament, a record for his nation. Significantly, Shaqiri remains the only player to have scored in the last three Euros and the last three World Cups, highlighting his indispensable value to the Swiss team.
Switzerland rode on the high from Shaqiri’s goal and nearly went ahead, with Dan Ndoye’s curler forcing a fine save from Scotland’s Angus Gunn. Gunn also bravely denied Shaqiri a second goal and later saw Ndoye squander a golden opportunity to put Switzerland in front.
Scotland’s night took a harsh turn when Kieran Tierney sustained a serious-looking injury. Despite this setback, they almost regained the lead through a Grant Hanley header, which agonizingly bounced off the post. The nerve-wracking finale saw Switzerland’s Zeki Amdouni head inches wide, nearly snatching the win for his side. Ultimately, both teams settled for a draw, content with the hard-earned point.
While the future remains uncertain for both sides, this high-stakes clash in Cologne has certainly set the stage for a dramatic Group A finale. Switzerland will be looking to solidify their place in the knockout stages, while Scotland will fight to keep their Euro 2024 journey alive.
