Euro 2024: after a lively match, Scotland and Switzerland part back to back

Un match engagé. MAXPPP – CHRISTOPHER NEUNDORF

Dominatrice mais inefficace, la Suisse a été tenue en échec par l'Écosse 1-1 mercredi à Cologne et devra attendre sa confrontation avec l'Allemagne pour rejoindre le pays hôte en 8es de l'Euro 2024.

Second in group A, with four points, the Nati is nevertheless in a favorable position to access the elimination phases of the German tournament, thanks to a better goal difference than Scotland, still in the race, also, to get out of the groups for the first time in its history.

Swept 5-1 by Germany in the opening match of the Euro, but supported by a Cologne stadium fully committed to their cause, the Scots showed a completely different face against to the Swiss, despite some defensive errors. After a corner taken by Swiss veteran Xherdan Shaqiri (32), it was they who, although dominated, opened the scoring. Their captain Andrew Robertson brought the ball up from his own half before shifting Callum McGregor into the box. With a back pass, the Celtic midfielder found Scott McTominay in the center who took over with his flat foot.

Goal denied at Embolo

Yann Sommer, the Swiss goalkeeper was on the trajectory, but the ball was blocked by Fabian Schar in his own goal (1-0, 13th). Established in attack in place of Kwadwo Duah, who scored against Hungary, Shaqiri saved Switzerland from a huge disappointment by taking advantage of a poorly adjusted back pass from Anthony Ralson to send in a shot powerful left foot without control into the top corner of Angus Gunn (1-1, 26th)

And if Breel Embolo, who came into play in place of Shaqiri (60th), was denied a second goal, still for offside (82nd), Switzerland, in the second half was able to consider herself lucky not to have conceded any goals after the multiple Scottish assaults. The Nati thus keeps its destiny in hand and, even in the event of defeat against Germany on Sunday in Frankfurt, it should see the final stages of Euro-2024. Scotland, she clings to her dream.

They are only credited with one point and have an unfavorable goal difference, but they will meet Hungary, already eliminated, in their last group match.