The qualification was embraced by… wasteful Switzerland, Scotland remained “alive”.

She embraced the qualification Switzerlandshe remained alive Scotland.

Ties 1-1 the two teams came to Cologne, as part of its 2nd matchday 1st group of Euro 2024.

A result that lifted Murat Yakin’s team to four pointstwo behind Germany, which they face in the last matchday (23/6, 22:00).

First point for that of Steve Clark who keep hope at least for 3rd place (the four best third-place finishers advance to the “16”), while on Sunday (23/6, 22:00) they face Hungary with zero points.

In a game Scotland led with own goal of Sar (against McTominay’s shot) at 13′. In a Euro, in which both goals he has scored it’s with an own goal (as happened with Riedinger’s against Germany).

However, Switzerland pressed on, equalizing with his goal Shakiri in the 26′while subsequently creating many opportunities, which he left unexploited. Two disallowed goals for Swiss due to offside beam for Scotland in the 67th minute.

Out of the mission for Switzerland and in this match, as in that of the premiere against Hungary, remained the Steven Zuberwith the AEK midfielder apparently not getting over the calf injury he sustained in the recent friendly against Austria.

It should be noted that the Shakiri -who, at 32 years old, continues here for two and a half years in MLS and in Chicago- became the only European to score in all six of the last major competitions (Euro or World Cup)!

Intense anxiety for serious damage to him Tierneywho left with a forced change.

The match:

Scotland looked to start strongly, taking the pressure into the opposition boxes (and) with two back-to-back corner kicks. However, little by little Switzerland started to pick up the pace and take the initiative of the movements.

Of course, the one who took the lead was Steve Clark’s team, albeit with a dose of luck. In the 13′the Scots produced a superb counter-attack following a corner by their opponents, with Robertson carrying the ball, which reached the McTominay who sent her into the net with a one-piece shot, also favored by the opposition to Sar. A goal charged by UEFA as own goal to the Newcastle stopper.

Nevertheless, Switzerland’s response was relatively immediate (26′). A goal as a result of a mistake by the Scots but also of his quality Shakiri! THE Ralston mis-turned the ball, which reached the height of their box to the 32-year-old ace who, without a second thought, took a terrific volley, the ball curling into the back of Gunn’s goal.

Now, the momentum clearly belonged to Switzerland, who looked – and was – the more dangerous team anyway. Murat Yakin’s team, however, created new phases. In the 32′ Gunn had an answer to his shot Inside (tremendous development, Shaqiri’s back-heel and the Bologna midfielder’s nice energy before executing), while a minute later goal disallowed of the same player – correctly – because offside (in another mistake by the Scottish defence).

A first half without the great rhythm, but with intensity, good moments and which ended in 1-1.

The two teams started the second half without changes, with the game developing at a low tempo.

No phase in the first quarter, but slowly the match came back to life. Which Switzerland again provoked, with Gan having an answer to his cross Vargas in the 56′while at 58′ saw him Inside to break free magnificently, but to fail in between tete-a-tete! In a phase that also brought the serious, as it seems, injury of Tierney in his attempt to stop his opponent (he stepped clumsily on the adafos). Another phase in 64′ for the typical visitors again with his diagonal shot Vargas.

For Scotland to respond to 67′ with beam! Robertson found him with a sweet header at the second post Hanleywith the ball after the latter’s header hitting the right post.

New great opportunities for Switzerland, at 78′ with Endoi and at 90′ by Amduni. In between (82′), his goal was disallowed Ebola. Just seconds before, Scotland had a stoppage time, as did Switzerland at 90’+1′. Another goal, however, was not scored, with 1-1 remaining until the final.

Watch the match live here.

MVP: The distinction will go to Xherdan Shaqiri. To… this wonderful guy who scores goals in every major competition. Besides, he became the only European to score in all six recent major tournaments (Euro or World Cup)! He leveled the match with a shot, while also creating other conditions for his teammates. Very good game from Akanji as well.

The compositions of the two teams:

Scotland (Steve Clarke): Gunn – Ralston, Hendry, Hanley, Tierney (61′ McKenna), Robertson – McTominay, Gilmour (79′ McLean), McGregor, McGinn (90′ Christie) – Adams (90′ Shankland).

Switzerland (Murat Yakin): Sommer – Sarr, Akanji, Rodriguez – Widmer (86′ Stergiou), Xhaka, Frouiller (75′ Ciero), Shaqiri (60′ Ebolo) – Ebisser, Vargas (75′ Reeder), Etoile (86′ Amduni).

The referee of the match was the Slovak Ivan Kuzliak.