Switzerland forward Xherdan Shaqiri was impressed by Scotland on and off the pitch last night and believes Steve Clarke’s side can go one better against Hungary.
Shaqiri scored a stunning equaliser in Cologne last night as the sides shared the points. Scotland had taken the lead when a deflected Scott McTominay strike found the back of the net but Murat Yakin’s men soon restored parity.
Shaqiri, playing in a withdrawn No.9 role, profited from a Tony Ralston error after 25 minutes to regain the ball before hitting an unstoppable effort into Angus Gunn’s top corner.
And, reflecting on the game, the 32-year-old thinks there’s more to come from Scotland as they approach Sunday’s meeting with Hungary knowing three points would carry them into the Euro 2024 knock-outs.
“It was a good test - I think it is their second Euros for a long time,” he said of the 1-1 draw.
“I think for them it is amazing to be here and with their fans, it is amazing to see how they push them on. They have a good team I think you see how it is connected and if they are a collective who goes to their limits, they can win games.
"It is going to be interesting to see their next game against Hungary - I think if they play like this then they can win games.”
Scotland were the stronger team during the second half in Cologne but it was Switzerland who appeared more likely to double their lead in the first half.
Shaqiri referenced the impact of the Tartan Army when discussing a stronger second period from Clarke’s side.
“It was a good game ,we had maybe better chances and if we scored to make it 2-1 then Scotland would have had to come out more and open the game,” he added.
“In the end they defended well, we didn’t score the goal and they tried in the end. This is a big credit for them.
"They tried at the end and pushed with their fans who were amazing today and I think this is their strength at the end with crosses, long balls, free-kicks to try and score. But I think we defended also very well in the end and a draw is a good result for both teams in the end.”
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