Scotland 1 Switzerland 1 Euro 2024 recap: McTominay goal, Ralston error, last 16 hopes still alive
For all pre-match news, weather updates and Tartan Army antics - and then later, follow along with the game itself - right here with The Scotsman Sport live blog.
Scotland v Switzerland Euro 2024 Live: Weather and pre match updates
Key Events
- Scotland 1 (Schar og 13) Switzerland 0
- Scotland 1 Switzerland 1 (Shaqiri 26)
Steve Clarke has spoken
The Scotland head coach has explained his decision to bring Billy Gilmour into his midfield.
“It was always my intention to start Billy in this game and that’s why he starts,” Clarke told the BBC. “Tonight, hopefully you see the real Scotland on the pitch.”
Destiny-shaping night
Scotsman sports editor Mark AtkinsonThis is a destiny-shaping night for Scotland. No surprise in Billy Gilmour coming in. Steve Clarke has resisted - rightly - the temptation to make sweeping changes. Switzerland bringing in Xerdan Shaqiri for Kwadwo Duah is a wee surprise. Who will lead the line for the Swiss?
Scotland formation
Here is how we think Scotland will line up tonight with five across the back, four in midfield, and Che Adams up front
National anthems
The Tartan Army have done themselves proud with their rendition of Flower of Scotland as the teams line up for the national anthems. “I really hope that the news came through your TVs, that was incredible to witness,” says BBC commentator Liam McLeod. Now over to the players...
Positive start
Scotland are ahead... on corners. We didn’t have a single corner against Germany on Friday night so winning one inside the opening minute is something worth celebrating. It comes to nothing as McTominay’s delivery is cleared. A second corner follows shortly afterwards and this time it is gathered by the Swiss goalkeeper. Much, much better start from Scotland full of the intensity that was sorely missing in Munich.
First warning
A moment of danger for Scotland as Swiss wideman Silvan Widmer breaks through the defence but a heavy touch allows Grant Hanley to get back and usher the ball over the goalline. A first warning for the Scots after an encouraging start.
Scotland have SCORED! And it’s that man Scott McTominay - the hero of the qualifying campaign - who has got it after 13 minutes. A lightning counter attack led by captain Andy Robertson, who fed Callum McGregor in the box and his cutback was drilled home by the Man Utd midfielder via a deflection. Lift off for Scotland at Euro 2024!
McTominay robbed!
McTominay appears to have been robbed of his ninth goal for Scotland with UEFA crediting his opener as an own goal by Swiss defender Fabian Schar. McTominay’s strike was on target and appeared to be deflected past the goalkeeper by an outstretched leg - it’s a harsh call to take it off him but Scotland won’t care. They lead in Cologne and that’s all that matters. What a start. Where was this Scotland team in the tournament opener?!
GOAL Switzerland
It’s 1-1 in Cologne and it’s a disaster for Scotland and Anthony Ralston. The Celtic full-back passes the ball straight to Swiss forward Xherdan Shaqiri who fires a stunning finish past Angus Gunn. A self-inflicted wound that has seen Scotland’s lead evaporate in the 26th minute.
It's getting frantic...
The loss of the equalising goal has rocked Scotland and they are now struggling to keep the Swiss at bay. Angus Gunn pulls of a superb save to deny Dan Ndoye as the Scotland defence is split open with ease. From the corner, the keeper comes off his line and gets nowhere near the ball. Ndoye turns it into the net and Scottish hearts sink, but the offside flag comes to the rescue. A VAR check confirms the call and we remain at 1-1. Scotland need to regroup and fast.
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