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Scotland and Switzerland’s respective starts to Euro 2024 could not have been more different, albeit against teams at opposite ends of the quality spectrum.
A point would almost certainly send the Swiss through, while Steve Clarke’s side can not afford to be defeated again.
It couldn’t have gone much worse for Scotland in the competition’s curtain-raiser on Friday night. However, the Germany fixture was not one they would have expected to pick up points from and they have time to put things right.
They would, however, have expected to give a better account of themselves at the Allianz Arena. They’ll need to raise their level significantly if the Tartan Army’s German journey is to continue beyond next week.
Against Die Mannschaft, Scotland mustered just one shot in the entire game and generated 0.00 xG. Clarke may well ring the changes on Wednesday in an attempt to avoid a repeat of that non-existent attacking display.
After a qualifying campaign in which Switzerland racked up fewer points than the data suggested they deserved, there was always a chance that it would even itself out. Still, even the most fervent Rossocrociati supporter surely didn’t expect such an emphatic performance against a decent Hungary outfit.
Yann Sommer tends to go well at major tournaments and the back three is full of top-level experience, but no Swiss star shines brighter than Granit Xhaka, who is ageing like a fine wine.
In the victory over Hungary, Xhaka led the game in tackles won, passes completed, long passes executed, and chances created. The 31-year-old is pulling the strings for Switzerland just as he did for Bayer Leverkusen last season.
Equally encouraging for manager Murat Yakin is the fact that his centre-forward selection, Kwadwo Duah, is off the mark and Breel Embolo also found the net off the bench.
Scotland have never advanced to the knockout phase of the European Championships, but they came very close to doing so 28 years ago when they won their final group game against… Switzerland.
The Scots needed a win and a huge favour from hosts England. When the Three Lions went 4-0 up against the Netherlands with Scotland already 1-0 up, both British sides were set to progress at the expense of the Dutch.
A 78th-minute Patrick Kluivert strike at Wembley to make it 4-1 denied Craig Brown’s men on goals scored. Scotland have not won a game at a major tournament since that day.
Their fate is in their own hands now, though, and if they could overturn the Swiss in Cologne, they would be well-placed ahead of the last round of Group A fixtures.
Form does not favour Scotland heading into this crucial matchup. Switzerland are not known for making light work of the group stage in this competition, but they will sense an opportunity to do the job with a game to spare.
Scotland are susceptible defensively and Switzerland possess the quality to carve through them. With Duah set to lead the line again for the Rossocrociati, our best bet is for the frontman to double his tournament tally.
Duah’s first-ever goal for Switzerland was one for the number nine position purists. Holding his run and waiting for the through ball to be played, the Ludogorets forward’s timing was impeccable and so was the finish.
With pace, power, and composure in front of goal, the London-born striker looks like the perfect fit for the Swiss system. Scotland will be forced into changes at the back following Ryan Porteous’ red card against Germany, and his replacement - likely to be Grant Hanley - will not have it easy.
The Norwich City centre-back is not renowned for his pace, and that might be an area Switzerland look to target with Duah’s explosive runs.
If Scotland do concede first and start to chase the game, Duah’s eyes will light up with space to punish them in behind.
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