After Munich’s lackluster performance, Scotland showed up in Cologne when their campaign was on the line. A loss would have nearly eliminated Steve Clarke’s team, but now, with a crucial point in hand and heads held a little higher, Scotland know a victory over Hungary on Sunday is all they need to reach a historic last-16 tie. It could have been more had Grant Hanley’s towering header been able to sneak inside the post, however it’s possible that Scotland and Switzerland have unofficially agreed to a draw in the last moments of a tight night in a frantic atmosphere in Cologne. Switzerland has advanced to the next round of a major international competition for the sixth consecutive year thanks to the outcome, and Xherdan Shaqiri has equaled that achievement with another magnificent miracle goal on the grand stage. It deflected in off Fabian Schar and cancelled out Scott McTominay’s opening goal.
This time, Scotland most definitely didn’t disappoint everyone or display the same “fear” that led to the appalling 5-1 loss to Germany. Scotland corrected a few things by aiming higher, taking more risks, and displaying greater poise while in control.
Andy Robertson’s ability to attack down the left was aided by the immediate improvement brought about by Billy Gilmour’s comeback, which allowed McTominay and John McGinn to get closer to Che Adams and join attacks.
But its capabilities were limited. Although Scotland had a better start, Switzerland eventually proved and enforced their quality, while Scotland showed their weaknesses. For Switzerland, Shaqiri’s amazing goal was only the most recent in a string of goals the 32-year-old has scored in every international competition since the 2014 World Cup. However, it was an unnecessary gift from Scotland as head coach Murat Yakin dreamed of the goal Shaqiri would score when he welcomed the former Liverpool forward back into the game thanks to Anthony Raltson’s dreadful short backpass Reintroducing the former Liverpool forward to the squad that defeated Hungary with such style on Saturday.
Clarke’s significant adjustment was also validated, as his reorganized midfield and attack pursued Switzerland and provided the intensity that characterized their early qualification campaign victories. Scotland’s newfound resolve was evident from the outset, as evidenced by the Tartan Army’s thunderous applause at the sight of two corners in the opening three minutes, despite having hardly contributed anything against Germany.
It determined the tenor of the first conversations. Scotland, who could hardly have done worse, had at least made it here and shown the travelling number some grit and desire, which was the very least that they deserved. It developed into more in the thirteenth minute.
Scotland had been waiting a long time for a player like Gilmour, who could provide poise and dexterity to the midfield
In one quick move, the 23-year-old hauled down a clearance on his chest and skillfully played in the approaching Robertson, demonstrating why he was sorely missed against Germany.
Robertson carried till he reached the edge of the box, the wall of noise behind him. The next two passes were both off-target: Robertson’s was a bit too far from McGregor, and McGregor’s pull-back was a touch too far behind McTominay. However, this was a wonderfully imperfect goal for Scotland, as Fabian Schar lifted his leg and deflected the ball into the top corner just as McTominay’s shot was about to go straight at Yann Sommer. Finally, Scotland was off and running.
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