Scotland in boost of qualifying for knockout stages as they claim crucial point

Scotland’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage of a European Championship for the first time remain alive following a 1-1 draw against Switzerland.

Steve Clarke’s men went into their second match of Group A knowing another defeat following their 5-1 loss to Germany would leave them on the brink of Euro 2024 elimination.

And they started excellently at Cologne’s RheinEnergieStadion on Wednesday night as they took the lead in the 13th minute.

A swift counter-attack saw Callum McGregor pull the ball back for Manchester United midfielder Scott McTomonay, with his deflected strike off Fabian Schar wrong-footing goalkeeper Yann Sommer.

But they failed to hold onto their lead for long, as Scotland right-back Anthony Ralston gifted Xherdan Shaqiri the ball following a mishit backpass.

And the ex-Liverpool star finished in exquisite fashion with a first-time effort into the top left corner to become the first European to score in the last six major tournaments.

Switzerland then thought they had taken the lead before the break through Dan Ndoye, but the Bologna forward was adjudged to have been offside.

Both teams pressed in search of a winner in the second half, with Angus Gunn expertly denying Ndoye after he had outmuscled Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney.

The incident saw Tierney having to leave the field on a stretcher to all-but end his Euros, as he hit the deck holding his hamstring, with his knee also appearing to buckle.

Just moments later, Scotland thought they had taken the lead for a second time, but Grant Hanley’s header from an Andy Robertson free-kick smashed off the post.

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Switzerland then had the ball in the back of the net through Breel Embolo, where he beautifully dinked the ball over the onrushing Gunn.

But the offside flag once again came to Scotland’s rescue, before Zeki Amdouni headed narrowly wide for Switzerland in he 88th minute.

The result leaves Scotland third in the table, behind Group A leaders Germany (six points) and then Switzerland (four points).

Scotland know they must beat Hungary in their final match on Sunday which would surely ensure their passage into the knockout stages.

And if they do manage to claim victory, it would be their first win at a European Championship in 28 years.

Should Switzerland lose to Germany, Scotland would need a six-goal swing on goal difference to advance through in second place.

Otherwise, they would likely qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.

In what is their fourth Euros appearance, Scotland have never made it out of the group, but they have given themselves a chance of creating history this weekend.

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