The time has come for the 2nd matchday in the 1st group of Euro 2024, with the confrontation of Scotland with the Switzerlandwhich will be held at the “RheinEnergieStadion” in Cologne, to complete the day’s program at the event (10:00 p.m., ERT1, News Bulletin 247, sport-fm.gr)!
On the one hand, Scotland comes to tonight’s match with its psychology… wounded, after in its first game it was defeated with a heavy 5-1 by the host Germany, in Munich. Steve Clarke’s side settled for a passive role throughout the match, keeping little possession and scoring just one final effort.
They found themselves 2-0 down before the 20-minute mark, and things got even more difficult for them in the 44th minute when Porteous was sent off (he will miss his side’s remaining two games in the group stage), while also conceding a penalty. Fulkrug and Chan completed the Panthers’ triumph, with Scotland only temporarily reduced to 4-1 with an 87th-minute own goal from Riedinger. Now, they need a win tonight to stay alive in the hunt for qualification.
On the other hand, Switzerland started their duties in this year’s Euro ideally, beating Hungary 3-1 in their match tonight. Armed with their great experience in the final stages of major events, Murati Yakin’s team showed a very good competitive face and took a two-goal lead in the first half (12′ Dua, 45′ Ebischer). She did not lose her composure even when she saw her opponent reduce it to 2-1 in the 66th minute, with Empolos “locking in” the victory with his own goal in the 90th + 3rd minute.
Thus, with the “good morning” of the group, the Swiss laid a solid foundation for qualification, while if they get the three points tonight, they will ensure their presence in the round of 16 one game day before the final. In the competition, Zakaria overcame the injury that plagued him and is available, while the AEK midfielder, Steven Zuber, will hardly be ready before long.
Possible lineups:
Scotland (Clarke, 3-4-2-1): Clarke – Hendry, Hanley, Tierney – Ralston, McGregor, Gilmore, Robertson – McGinn, McTominay – Sackland
Switzerland (Jakin, 3-4-3): Sommer – Sarr, Akanzi, Rodriguez – Widmer, Frouiller, Xhaka, Ebischer – Vargas, Etoi, Dua
Referee: Ivan Kruzliak (Slovakia)
Field: “RheinEnergieStadion” (Cologne)
Source: Sport Fm
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
