There was plenty of confidence in Scotland from the Record Sport team ahead of the Euro 2024 opener against Germany but it turned out to be misplaced.
However, our team of experts haven’t lost faith in Steve Clarke’s troops ahead of their second Group A clash against Switzerland despite that 5-1 Munich mauling at the hands of the hosts. Scotland can’t afford to lose to the Swiss or that old Tommy Docherty quip about being home before the postcards will be trotted out again.
Murat Yakin’s Switzerland were impressive in their opening game against Hungary, winning 3-1. That match took place in Cologne so they will be familiar with the surroundings and could maybe be viewed as an advantage. Clarke’s men certainly need to show a reaction to their opener in the Allianz Arena and here our writers give their predictions on whether Scotland can do it to continue the Tartan Army’s Germany adventure.
Keith Jackson
THE glass is half empty after Munich and Scotland’s chances of survival are now, accordingly, a 50-50 call. The belief which followed them to Bavaria has been reduced to not much more than hope by the savage nature of that beating With a bit of dread and anxiety thrown in.m But boss Steve Clarke continues to keep the faith regardless and the embarrassment and anger among his players have been almost palpable since Friday night. If they take it all out on Switzerland here in Cologne – and the manager gets his big decisions right – then a draw should not be beyond them.
Scotland 1 Switzerland 1
Scott McDermott
There has to be a reaction from Scotland after Friday night because it’s already at the do-or-die stage in Euro 2024. Defeat is unthinkable but the Swiss are a decent side. Steve Clarke’s boys can get a point, keep the dream alive – and set up a mammoth game v Hungary on Sunday.
Scotland 2 Switzerland 2
Michael Gannon
The confidence took a severe dunt after Munich, but all is not lost. Scotland need to get back to doing what they did so well in games against Denmark and Spain not so long ago. We need to get our identity back, and that means getting wired in, pressing hard and flooding the apposition box when the chance comes. Switzerland looked decent for an hour against Hungary but they have similar issues to us and they can be got at. It’ll need to be Scotland the brave but the boys can bag a point to set up a do or die job in the last game.
Scotland 1 Switzerland 1
Andy Newport
This won’t be easy for Clarke’s team, certainly not after being mullered in Munich. The Swiss showed their class as they devoured Hungary and have a tremendous tournament track record, reaching the last knock-out stages of the last five major finals.
But we have to believe that we can get a result that at least keeps us in the competition going into Sunday’s shoot-out with the Magyars. Hoping the return of Billy Gimour will provide us with the composure and control that we so badly lacked against the Germans.
Scotland 1 Switzerland 1
Gavin Berry
If there isn’t a serious reaction to the Munich mauling then there could be real question marks over Steve Clarke’s future as national team boss. That’s how much is riding on this. You can’t argue with his heroics in qualifying for two Euros but he can’t afford another flop on the big stage. But his troops can get a point to take it to the last game.
Scotland 1 Switzerland 1
Graeme Young
Switzerland is famous for their neutrality but I’m doing a quick-fire reverse on Scotland. My belief before Munich has been replaced with a palpable sense of dread. And it’s not just about us, the Swiss looked seriously strong in their convincing 3-1 win over Hungary. I was the only fool who predicted a win for us against Germany and I’ll happily be wrong again.
Switzerland 3 Scotland 1