Scotland’s Tartan Army breathed a sigh of relief after a nerve-shredding draw with Switzerland kept their hopes alive in the Euros. The team battled like warriors in Cologne and their dream start came when Scott McTominay’s shot was diverted into the net by Swiss defender Fabian Schar. The packed stands erupted with joy, but Scotland’s lead only lasted 12 minutes as Xherdan Shaqiri equalized. The Bravehearts were dealt another blow when Kieran Tierney had to be carried off with an injury. In the end, the 1-1 draw means that Scotland can still progress to the knockout stages if they beat Hungary in their final group stage match.
Over 10,000 Scottish fans traveled to Germany to support their team, and despite the disappointing loss against Germany, they were optimistic about Scotland’s chances. Ray Burnie, celebrating his 62nd birthday, expressed his satisfaction with the draw, stating that it gives the upcoming game against Hungary meaning. Stuart Robertson agreed, saying that realistically, it was the best result they could hope for and it keeps them alive in the tournament.
The draw also gave hope to fans like Jim Bell and Ewan Burnie, who saw it as a light at the end of the tunnel. John McIntosh emphasized that everything would come down to the Hungary game, while Gordon Larkins, originally from Glasgow but now living near Bath, highlighted the importance of still being in the tournament.
Before the match, the Tartan Army gathered in Cologne’s town square and entertained locals with bagpipe performances. Train delays caused frustration among some fans, but those without tickets filled fan zones and public viewing areas to support their team. Germany’s victory over Hungary also boosted Scotland’s chances of progressing to the next round.
Fans in Scotland were also ecstatic about the draw. Supporters filled bars and venues across the country, cheering on their team. Rachael McLaren was happy that Scotland still had a chance to qualify, while Lucy Layden saw it as a step in the right direction. Tatiana Duzy expressed disappointment but acknowledged that the point earned kept them in the tournament. John McCarthy, Alan Cuthbert, and Lucy Garden all believed that Scotland still had a chance and could cause an upset.
The Three Sisters pub in Edinburgh was buzzing throughout the match, with fans praising the team’s performance. Connor Cockburn highlighted the players’ confidence and expressed pride in their performance. Jack Simpson believed that Scotland deserved to take something from the game and saw a stark difference from their match against Germany. Rosie Crawford mentioned the excellent football that Scotland played and emphasized the need to improve passing to secure qualification. Simon Atkinson remained confident that Scotland could still qualify, while Laura Jackson appreciated the players’ efforts and believed that they could still make it.
Overall, Scotland’s draw with Switzerland provided a glimmer of hope for the Tartan Army. The team fought hard, and despite some setbacks, they still have a chance to make history in the tournament. The fans remain optimistic and will continue to support their team as they face Hungary in their final group stage match.