After opening their UEFA Euro 2024 campaign on a high with a dominating 3-1 win over Hungary on Saturday, June 15, Switzerland played a 1-1 draw against Scotland to maintain second place in the Group A standings with four points in two matches. Murat Yakin’s side came from a goal behind as star midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri scored a spectacular goal, making it the goal of the Euro 2024 contender.
In Group A, Germany are placed at the top with two wins in two matches followed by Switzerland with a win and a draw. Scotland are placed third with a draw and a loss while Hungary are at the bottom with 0 points in two matches.
On Wednesday night, Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay scored the opener for Scotland against Switzerland in the 13th minute. In response, Xherdan Shaqiri fired a stunner from outside the box to score an equaliser in the 26th minute. Scotland defender Anthony Ralston’s loose pass at the back found Shaqiri at the center, who decided to strike first time. The 32-year-old spotted Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn off his line and scored a world-class goal with his first touch into the top corner.
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With this goal, Shaqiri became the first player to score in 6 major competitions including the three FIFA World Cups in 2014, 2018, and 2022 and three European championships in 2016, 2020, and 2024. The Switzerland midfielder is known for his spectacular strikes as he scored a goal of the tournament contender in the Euro 2016. Shaqiri’s bicycle kick goal in the Round of 16 against Poland helped his side force the game into extra-time, which was eventually won by Poland on penalties.
Switzerland coach Murat Yakin praised the Chicago Fire forward’s strike and said, “He proved tonight that he lives and breathes for moments like these.”