EURO 2024: Shaqiri goal secures Switzerland draw with Scotland
Xherdan Shaqiri provided a stunning goal that secured a Switzerland draw with Scotland in Euro 2024 action in Cologne, Germany, on Wednesday.
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SHAQIRI GOAL SECURES SWITZERLAND DRAW, BOOSTS LAST 16 CHANCES
Shaqiri converted Anthony Ralston’s backpass with an impressive curler from 20 yards in the 26th minute to secure a Switzerland draw.
Scott McTominay opened scoring for Scotland with a shot off Fabian Schar to beat Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer in the 13th minute.
However, Shaqiri flicked a left-footed into the top corner as he slipped past Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn.
With Germany beating Hungary, 2-0, and this match’s outcome, Switzerland is on the brink of reaching the last 16.
Moreover, Scotland will at least have their first point in the tournament.
SWITZERLAND COACH SAYS SHAQIRI ‘BREATHES FOR MOMENTS LIKE THESE’
Switzerland coach Murat Yakin said Shaqiri is a kind of player who “breathes for moments like these.”
“He proved tonight that he lives and breathes for moments like these,” Yakin said of the Chicago Fire forward in Major League Soccer.
Shaqiri has now scored in six major international tournaments dating back to the World Cup in 2014.
“Shaq always gives everything in training. I don’t know how many other players are able to score that goal,” Switzerland defender Manuel Akanji said.
SCOTLAND MANAGER BELIEVES ONLY ‘SHAQ’ CAN SCORE LATEST GOAL
For his part, Scotland manager Steve Clarke said only Shaqiri could have scored on that opportunity in that play.
“If that chance falls to any other player in the Swiss system, it’s not a goal. You knew when it was rolling towards Shaqiri it was destined for the back of the net,” Clarke said.
“He’s a top, top player, so you don’t give top, top players that kind of chance,” he added.
Clarke said this result was much better for Scotland’s fans compared to its 1-5 loss to Germany in the opening match.
“It was what we expected. It was a good reaction to a disappointing night,” the manager said.
“We’re still alive in the tournament,” he added.
Scotland will next face Hungary in their last Group A match on Sunday.
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