Scotland fans should not rule out a place in the round of 16 as Scotland held to a draw against Switzerland in Matchday 2 in the group. Following Germanys 2-0 victory over Hungary Scotland were able to bounce back after Friday’s heavy defeat with a 1-1 draw.
Scotland began the game with high intensity with note that the match was crucial in terms of advancing in the competition. Scotland were willing to commit many shirts forward for their opening set pieces in hopes of an early goal which eventually came in the 13’ minute after Callum McGregor’s cross found Scott Mctominay who thumped it goal-wards and seen his shot deflected by Fabian Schär.
Scotland continued to look positive particularly defensively however the danger lurked when the Scot’s looked to hit out on the counter attack. Although, the tartan army’s celebrations were brought to a standstill after defensive mistake from Anthony Ralston which seen Shaqiri bag his 32nd International goal for Switzerland with a brilliant strike which was able to beat Angus Gunn.
Switzerland began to carry momentum from the goal and were able to find more attacking positions on the pitch earning themselves five first half corners. One of which led to a goal however the referee quickly, much to Scotlands relief, cancelled it out due to a close offside on Ndoye. Che Adams looked to respond to the pressure but seen his effort desperately gathered by Yann Sommer.
Switzerland came into the opening few minutes of the second half with dominant displays including shots from Vargas and Ndoye, yet neither were able to convert the opportunities that came their way.
A major blow for Scotland as they seen defender Kieran Tierney take a painful blow which is likely to see him "out for the remainder of the tournament" stated Steve Clarke in his post match interview, after being forced off on the stretcher. Hopefully Tierney makes a swift recovery.
Scotland’s motivation returned as Andy Robertson swung a free kick at the edge of the box which was met by an agonising strike of the post from Grant Hanley who was inches from putting Scotland ahead. A further chance from Scott Mctominay on the volley was caught sweetly but was blocked and cleared away.
Towards the last few minutes Scotland looked lively but were unable to find a winner however this draw doesn’t rule out our chances of advancing in the competition, and it is going to need another huge performance like this games in the next match on Sunday against Hungary which will decide Scotland’s campaign.
Scotland XI - Gunn, Ralston, Hendry, Hanley, Tierney, Robertson, Mctominay, Gilmour, McGregor, McGinn, Adams
Switzerland XI - Sommer, Rodriguez, Akanji, Schär, Aebischer, Xhaka, Freuler, Widmer, Vargas, Shaqiri, Ndoye
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