Scotland have kept their chances of reaching the knockout stages of the Euros alive after drawing 1-1 with Switzerland in Cologne. Steve Clarke’s side put in a more positive performance after their 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Germany on the opening day of the tournament but couldn’t secure three points. The draw leaves Scotland in third place in Group A with a single point – meaning they will need to beat Hungary to stand a chance of qualifying for the knockout stages automatically. (Photo: Scotland).

Scott McTominay’s deflected strike gave Scotland the lead after 13 minutes at the Cologne Stadium, but celebrations were short-lived after former Liverpool star Xherdan Shaqiri equalised on the 26-minute mark. Scotland had to work hard to contain Murat Yakin’s side but they did so with intensity and nearly went ahead in the second half when Grant Hanley hit the post. The Scots were saved from conceding twice by the offside flag but still put on an impressive performance to secure a draw. (Photo: Shaqiri mobbed after equaliser).

Clarke knew he had to get something from the game and he made one enforced change with centre-back Hanley in for the banned Ryan Porteous, while midfielder Billy Gilmour came in for Ryan Christie. Winning two corners in three minutes provided instant encouragement for the Scots. Sky Sports’ expert Nick Wright called it a “much improved showing overall”. Former Scotland international Kris Boyd said: “A point will do. We’re alive and kicking… They’ve responded tonight, it was more like Scotland. Switzerland are no mugs and Scotland more than matched them.

“Steve Clarke will be relatively happy with that result.” There was bad news for Scotland defender Kieran Tierney in the second half after he left the pitch on a stretcher following a challenge on Dan Ndoye. Hosts Germany beat Hungary 2-0 earlier in the day and are top of the group with six points. Switzerland are second on four points, Scotland are third with one point and Hungary sit in bottom place with zero. (Photo: Scott Mctominey).

Scotland face Hungary in both sides’ final group game on Sunday night. Only the top two teams in each group automatically go through to the knockout stages. The sides which finish third in each group will be placed into a league table, with the top four sides progressing to the last 16. A team’s position in the table is based on criteria including points, goal difference and goals scored.

Courtesy: Sky News