Scotland's hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of Euro 2024 were boosted by a 1-1 draw with Switzerland.
Steve Clarke's men desperately needed a win after a crushing 5-1 defeat by hosts Germany in the opening game of the tournament. Meanwhile, Group A rivals Switzerland had dispatched Hungary with a 3-1 victory, before the Germans clinched a 2-0 win over the same opposition.
Roared on by the Tartan Army in the RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne, Scotland took the lead when a driving run from captain Andrew Robertson saw the Liverpool star find Callum McGregor, who pulled back to the edge of the box where Scott McTominay decided to try his luck. The Manchester United midfielder's strike deflected into the Swiss net off Newcastle defender Fabian Schar, sparking wild celebrations in the 13th minute.
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But the lead lasted just over 10 minutes as former Liverpool winger Xherdan Shaqiri - now plying his trade with MLS side Chicago Fire - scored a stunning wondergoal. Anthony Ralston played a blind pass infield, which was met by the ex-Stoke City man, who hit a delicious curling shot into the top left corner of the Scottish goal.
The stunning effort was all the more impressive as it means the veteran midfielder, 32, is the only player to have scored at all of the last three European Championships and the last three World Cups. And from that point on, the Swiss started to exert their superiority in the match.
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![Scotland's Scott McTominay celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the game](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article33067797.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_Scotland-v-Switzerland-UEFA-Euro-2024-Group-A-Cologne-Stadium.jpg)
Scotland had to work hard to contain Murat Yakin's side but they did with intensity and determination, although the offside flag saved them twice from conceding, and they almost went ahead again when defender Grant Hanley hit the post in the second half.
However, a major blow saw defender Kieran Tierney go off on a stretcher after injuring himself in a challenge, replaced by Scott McKenna, with Shaqiri making way for Breel Embolo, who later had the ball in back of Angus Gunn's net, only to be ruled offside, much to the relief of anyone in dark blue.
![Xherdan Shaqiri's stunning strike for Switzerland left Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn with no chance](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article33067801.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_Scotland-v-Switzerland-Group-A-UEFA-EURO-2024.jpg)
In a frantic finish, Switzerland substitute Zeki Amdouni headed wide from six yards in the 90th minute and then Manuel Akanji denied McTominay a tap-in at the other end. But neither side could find the winner and Scotland's Euro 2024 future will be decided on matchday three.
The result leaves Germany at the top of the group with six points and Switzerland in second place with four. Scotland have one point and Hungary are yet to register a point, meaning a positive result in their final game against Hungary could see the Tartan Army celebrating qualification to the Round of 16 knockout stage.
Germany became the first nation to advance to the round of 16 after 2-0 win over Hungary. Goals from Jamal Musiala and Ilkay Gundoğan made it two wins from two for the host and ensured there would be no repeat of its group stage exit from the 2022 World Cup.