In the first meeting between the sides since 2006, Scotland and Switzerland served up an entertaining 1-1 draw in Cologne, keeping the Scots hopes of qualification alive.
Scotland landed the first blow, as a deflected effort from Scott McTominay sent the travelling supporters wild, as the ball flew past Yann Sommer into the back of the net.
However, Steve Clarke’s side led for just 13 minutes, with Xherdan Shaqiri making his claim for goal of the tournament as he smashed an effort into the top corner.
The second half was chaotic and either side could have secured all three points with chances galore.
Switzerland sit second in Group A with four points from two games, while Scotland are third after claiming their first point this evening.
It’s all to play for going into the final Matchday, with Scotland needing to win to give themselves the best chance of qualification. For Switzerland, avoiding defeat will guarantee a spot in the last 16.
Scotland made two changes from the side that were embarrassed by Germany on Friday night; Ryan Porteous – who was sent off in their 5-1 defeat in Munich – served the first of his two-match as Grant Hanley slotted in at the centre of defence. Brighton’s Billy Gilmour was also afforded his first start of the tournament after being left out of the opener – Ryan Christie dropped to the bench.
Murat Yakin made just the one change from the side that beat Hungary 3-1 as former Liverpool winger Xherdan Shaqiri replaced the scorer of Switzerland’s tournament opener Kwadwo Duah.
Lively was the word that came to mind after the opening ten minutes. Steve Clarke’s side had started well, as they played with attacking ambition. The challenges were flying in, and a frantic pace had set itself. Switzerland also started strongly, with balls over the top proving troublesome for the Scotland defence.
A phenomenal counterattack saw Scotland take the lead after just 13 minutes. Switzerland took a short corner and eventually played a cross into the box – which Scott McTominay headed clear, as Clarke’s side found themselves away. Andy Robertson burst down the left flank and slotted Callum McGregor in. The Celtic captain managed to cut the ball back and found McTominay on the edge of the box, who unleashed an effort that looked to be rifling in, but it was the deflection off Fabian Schar that ensured Sommer was beaten.
Once Scotland took the lead The Red Crosses began to weather the storm. However, the Scots continued to provide a strong threat on the counter. Clarke’s side were defending well and more than deserving of their lead.
For all their hard work, The Tartan Army imploded in the 26th minute. Anthony Ralston miscued a pass from right-back, gifting the ball to Xherdan Shaqiri on the edge of the box. From that point on it was pure magic, and in the tournament that keeps providing stunning goals, Shaqiri rocketed his effort into the top corner.
Angus Gunn prevented Switzerland from taking the lead in the 31st minute, producing a wonderful save as he tipped Ndoye’s point-blank effort around the post.
Scotland were shaken and there for the taking, the mistakes were flowing, and Switzerland had taken a hold of the game. But as half-time neared, the Scots started to regroup and become settled. Their press was high, and Switzerland were stuck inside their own half. The momentum had completely shifted as Scotland looked for their second goal of the tournament.
The Tartan Army’s best chance before the half fell to Che Adams, as Robertson delivered a deep corner into the far post, the forward side-footed an effort towards goal which Sommer did well to smother.
Second half
Scotland started the second half with the same intent as the first—their attacking threat was strong, and Robertson’s bursting runs down the left continued to drive Steve Clarke’s side forward in the hunt for an invaluable three points. The Tartan Army were competing well, but their sloppiness and loose passing at the back were proving problematic.
In the 58th minute, Scotland’s weak defence once again came to the forefront. Ndoye was in behind; the forward emerged into the box and shrugged Tierney off. He was one-on-one with Gunn, as all inside the RhineEnergie Stadium expected the net to bustle. But the Bologna forward handed Clarke’s side a reprieve as he rolled his effort wide.
Being outmanoeuvred was Tierney’s last action of the game and most likely of the tournament, as the Arsenal defender was stretchered off with yet another hamstring injury.
As the affair continued to serve up enthraling action, Scotland thought they had the lead in the 65th minute. Robertson delivered an inswinging free-kick from the right-hand side of the box which was met by Hanley, who headed agonisingly close onto the bar.
The business end of the encounter approached, and both sides seemed capable of finding a winner.
The game turned into an end-to-end frenzy, and in the 83rd minute, super-sub Breel Embolo thought he had claimed all three points for his country. Embolo – who has scored in each of his last three tournaments – was the coolest man in the building as he dunked an effort over Gunn, but he fractionally mistimed his run from the halfway line and was adjudged to be offside.
Switzerland began to look the the more likely, and with a minute left on the clock Reider delivered a deep free-kick into the Scotland box, Amdouni got his head to it, and he had to score but glanced his effort wide of the target.
As four minutes of stoppage time went up on the board it was Scotland’s turn to go close. It was carnage in the Switzerland box as Robertson headed the ball to the back post. McTominay was on the scene, ready and waiting for a certain tap-in, but Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji arrived to save the day denying Scotland a certain winner with the last chance of the game.