Tartan Army keep hopes of last 16 alive with battling draw

Scotland toom their Euro 2024 to the final round of group games after a 1-1 draw with Switzerland in Cologne.

Scott McTominay scored inside 13 minutes during a dream start for Scotland before a Xherdan Shaqiri stunner pegged Steve Clarke’s side back levelled the game before half-time.

Grant Hanley struck the post as Scotland searched for a winner in the second half but the deserved draw means Steve Clarke’s men head into their final group game against Hungary with a chance of reaching the last 16.

As it happened

The Tartan Army looked intent on putting in a much-improved display from their first in Munich their bright start was rewarded 13 minutes in following a rapid counter-attack.

After heading away a Swiss corner, Scotland broke in numbers as Callum McGregor cut inside on the left side of the box before teeing up McTominay who had made a trademark late arrival into the box.

The Manchester United man’s left-footed shot deflected off Schar’s outstretched leg and past Yann Sommer to give Clarke the start he had been dreaming of.

GOAL FOR SCOTLAND!

Scott McTominay’s shot is deflected in!#SCOSUI #BBCEuros #Euro2024 pic.twitter.com/JjRcyfKBfY

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 19, 2024

Scotland had to spend a lot of time without the ball after the goal but had restricted to few chances before a loose Anthony Ralston pass was punished in devasating style by Shaqiri.

The former Liverpool forward latched onto the pass before hitting a sumptuous first-time effort which flew into the top corner and left Angus Gunn with no chance.

What a hit! 😱

Xherdan Shaqiri levels it up with stunning finish ☄️#SCOSUI #BBCEuros #Euro2024 pic.twitter.com/uaBxlZLXbi

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 19, 2024

Gunn then got for a smart save to deny Dan Ndoye before the Bologne forward had the ball in the back of the net from the resulting corner, which was offside – much to the relief of those from a Scottish persuation.

Che Adams nearly squeezed a header in at the near post before Scotland had to weather a spell of Swiss pressure before the end of the half, which they did.

It was Switzerland who started the second half better and would have been in front on 59 minutes had it not been for a brilliant Gunn save to deny Ndoye one-on-one.

While Scotland escaped going behind, they suffered the blow of losing a key man during the chance as Kieran Tierney had to be stretchered off after landing awkwardly on his knee in a concerning moment.

Fellow defender Hanley then went agonisingly close to putting Scotland ahead after striking the post with a header before his team-mates failed to turn in the rebound.

SO close for Scotland! 🤏#SCOSUI #BBCEuros #Euro2024 pic.twitter.com/7zFZojqWV3

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 19, 2024

Scotland continued to provide a threat from set pieces but struggled to carve out a chance as good as Hanley’s, with a McTominay strike blocked by team-mate Che Adams.

Switzerland remained a threat on the break and were once again denied by the offside flag late on, with Breel Embolo’s chipped finish rightly chalked off in another moment of relief for Clarke and Co.

Hearts were in mouths again late on as Zeki Amdouni headed wide from point-blank range before Andy Robertson’s square ball was cleared away by Manuel Akanji from close-range in a tense finish.

What’s next for Scotland and Switzerland at Euro 2024?

We are all set for a thrilling finale to Group A with Scotland, Hungary and Switzerland all going into the final round of fixtures on Sunday with a chance of joining Germany in the last 16.

Scotland, on one point, can clinch at least third place with a victory over Hungary, who are still without a point.

Second looks unlikely for the Tartan Army, with a six-goal swing needed in that game and Switzerland and Germany’s clash to pip the Swiss to second.