EURO2024
Dream goal not enough: Switzerland plays 1:1 against Scotland
Swiss Ruben Vargas (l) and Scotland’s Jack Hendry engage in a header duel. Photo
© Marius Becker/dpa
Switzerland is hoping for a win and an early entry into the round of 16. However, the Swiss have to overcome an early setback against Scotland. A former Bayern player scores a great goal.
Visibly exhausted, the Swiss and Scots clapped each other on the back after a hard-fought match, and the two coaches Murat Yakin and Steve Clarke hugged each other in friendship. Thanks to the 1:1 (1:1) draw on Wednesday evening in Cologne, both nations still have a chance of making it to the round of 16. The Swiss, for whom Xherdan Shaqiri scored a dream goal (26th minute), missed out on early qualification for the knockout round – but with four points in German Group A, they still have the best prospects.
“We had the better start, but the Swiss held up well,” Scotland captain Andrew Robertson said on MagentaTV. “We need to rest, we need to prepare and then be fit for Sunday. We can take a lot from today.”
Unfortunate start for Switzerland
In glorious summer weather, fans of both countries had been cheering loudly and happily in the Cologne city center since the morning. They also created a formidable European Championship atmosphere in the stadium long before kick-off. Switzerland coach Yakin was already cheering on the national team’s supporters around an hour before the game began.
However, the 49-year-old’s mood quickly deteriorated. Scotland countered through Robertson and Callum McGregor, who served McTominay in the middle. The midfielder shot and Schär deflected the ball, making it impossible for Switzerland keeper Yann Sommer to save. “No Scotland, No Party,” sang the enthusiastic Scottish fans.
Scottish error allows Shaqiri’s goal
As in the opening match against Germany, the Scots defended deep. Unlike in the 1:5 defeat, however, they switched quickly again and again. In addition, the Swiss, led by chief strategist Granit Xhaka from double winners Bayer Leverkusen, hardly found any gaps in the Scottish defence.
To equalize, Yakin’s team needed a blatant mistake from their opponents and Shaqiri’s individual class. Anthony Ralston inadvertently passed the ball right into the path of the former Munich player. Shaqiri curled the ball into the corner from 20 meters – an incredible goal. The 32-year-old is now the only player to have scored in every European Championship or World Cup since 2014 – that is, in six tournaments.
Ndoye’s goal disallowed, Hanley hits the post
The goal gave the Swiss a boost. Dan Ndoye was stopped by Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn (32′) after strong work by Shaqiri. A minute later, the striker even scored, but was just offside.
Even after the break, the Swiss remained the more dangerous team in an open game. Ndoye turned around his opponent, but was once again stopped by Gunn (58′). Scotland’s Kieran Tierney was deputized for the action. The 27-year-old was carried off the pitch on a stretcher with a face contorted in pain.
Shortly afterwards, fellow defender Grant Hanley almost put Scotland back in the lead. However, his header from a free kick hit the post. In the closing stages, Breel Embolo almost became a Swiss hero. As with Ndoye, the former Bundesliga professional’s goal was disallowed due to an offside position (82′).