20 Jun 2024

Scotland stay alive with 1-1 draw against Switzerland

9:26 am on 20 June 2024
Scotland's Scott McTominay celebrates during Euro 2024.

Scotland's Scott McTominay celebrates during Euro 2024. Photo: AFP

Scotland kept alive their hopes of reaching the last 16 at Euro 2024 with a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in a gripping Group A game in Cologne.

Eager to make up for their 5-1 rout by Germany, Scotland were roared on by thousands of fans and made a dream start when Scott McTominay's on-target 13th-minute shot was turned in by Swiss defender Fabian Schar.

The lead was short-lived, however, as Switzerland, who would have ensured a top-two spot with victory, levelled in spectacular fashion when recalled forward Xherdan Shaqiri curled a brilliant shot into the top corner following a defensive error.

Switzerland twice had goals disallowed after tight offside decisions -- one in the first half by Dan Ndoye and late on by substitute Breel Embolo -- but Scotland also went close when Grant Hanley headed against the post.

Switzerland are second behind group leaders Germany on four points while Scotland are third with one and must beat Hungary in Stuttgart to advance.

Goals from Jamal Musiala and Ilkay Gundogan gave Germany a comfortable 2-0 win over Hungary that made the host nation the first side to qualify for the knockout stage.

With two wins out of two, the Germans are guaranteed a top two finish in the group.

Watched by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the match began in a febrile atmosphere with thousands of fans having spent the day partying around Stuttgart.

Earlier Albania snatched a stoppage time equaliser for a stunning 2-2 draw against Croatia but the result left both countries with a tall order if they are to progress to the last-16.

Spain and Italy top group B with three points from one game, while Albania and Croatia have one point from two games.

Spain and Italy meet on Friday.

-Reuters