Five things we learnt from Scotland 1-1 Switzerland

Scotland’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stages of a major tournament remain intact after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Switzerland in Group A at the Cologne Stadium. Here are five key takeaways from this crucial encounter.

1. Scott McTominay’s influence continues

Scott McTominay once again proved his importance to this Scottish side with his early goal, which came off a significant deflection from Fabian Schär. His strike, originating from a swift counter-attack led by Andy Robertson and Callum McGregor, was a perfect example of Scotland’s ability to capitalise on transitions. McTominay’s knack for arriving late in the box and making a difference has been a hallmark of his international performances, and his latest contribution has kept Scotland’s hopes alive.

2. Xherdan Shaqiri: the perennial threat

Xherdan Shaqiri showcased why he remains a key player for Switzerland, scoring with a sublime first-time finish after pouncing on Anthony Ralston’s misplaced pass. Shaqiri’s goal highlighted his enduring quality and experience, as he has now scored in the last three European Championships and World Cups. His ability to produce moments of brilliance makes him a constant threat, and his performance against Scotland underlined his important role in the Swiss setup.

3. Scotland’s defensive resilience and nerve

Despite conceding a soft goal due to a defensive error, Scotland demonstrated commendable defensive resilience, particularly in the second half. Angus Gunn’s excellent saves and Grant Hanley’s crucial header against the post exemplified their determination to keep Switzerland at bay. The Scots’ ability to hold firm under pressure, especially after losing Kieran Tierney to injury, showed their growing maturity and resolve. This defensive grit will be crucial as they head into their final group game against Hungary.

4. Switzerland’s missed opportunities

Switzerland will likely view this match as a missed opportunity. Despite dominating possession and creating several clear-cut chances, they failed to capitalise on their superiority. Dan Ndoye’s missed one-on-one chance and Zeki Amdouni’s wayward header in the dying moments could have sealed the win for Switzerland. These lapses in finishing could haunt them, especially with a challenging fixture against Germany looming in their final group game. Four points might still be enough to progress, but they could regret not securing victory against Scotland.

5. Scotland’s revival and tactical adaptation

After the demoralising 5-1 defeat to Germany, Scotland’s response against Switzerland was much improved. Steve Clarke’s tactical adjustments paid off, with the team showing greater aggression and composure. The introduction of Billy Gilmour provided stability in midfield, and the team’s counter-attacking prowess was evident. The Tartan Army’s support played a significant role, creating an electric atmosphere that spurred the players on. Scotland’s ability to adapt and improve bodes well for their crucial final group match against Hungary.

Scotland’s performance against Switzerland has injected new hope into their Euro 2024 campaign. The draw means that a victory against Hungary could see them progress to the knockout stages for the first time in their history. This result has demonstrated that Scotland can compete at this level, combining defensive solidity with effective counter-attacks. The team’s spirit and the tactical nous of Steve Clarke have given them a fighting chance to make history.

Switzerland, on the other hand, will need to regroup and focus on their final match against Germany. Despite their frustration, their quality and experience mean they remain strong contenders to advance. However, they must address their finishing issues to avoid similar disappointments.

As the group stages draw to a close, both teams have everything to play for. Scotland’s resurgence and Switzerland’s quest for consistency will make the final round of matches a thrilling spectacle.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights as EURO2024 unfolds, here on FromTheSpot.