How the Scots can defeat the Swiss and the impending tactical conflict
Steve Clarke called an unexpected news conference over the weekend in an attempt to keep a lid on Germany’s 5-1 opening-night loss to England in the 2024 Euro. After the post-mortem in Munich, all attention is now focused on Switzerland on Wednesday in Cologne.
Naturally, Clarke is powerless to change history or to end the unceasing criticism of Scotland’s performance against Germany. They have by far the lowest performance of any side in the tournament thus far.
It has put Scotland in a predicament. Four points was Clarke’s pre-competition target from the pool fixtures and therefore a positive result is required against the Swiss, who started their own Group A campaign with a 3-1 win over Hungary
Their 2-0 lead at the half against the Hungarians, according to many Swiss observers, was their best since Murat Yakin became Switzerland’s manager in 2021. For those of a Scottish disposition, that is not a pretty read, underscoring the challenge facing a side that has lost all morale and has only triumphed over Gibraltar in ten games.
The main focus is on how Scotland might adapt to become competitive with the Swiss. Scotland appeared mentally rattled by the magnitude of the occasion that awaited them in Munich. This is not the same match. They have both the experience of playing Germany and the embarrassment of losing so badly in front of the whole world. “Embarrassment” was mentioned by Callum McGregor in the Scottish
There was little aggression from Scotland’s midfield against Germany and more bite will be required against the Swiss. One major issue was the time afforded to the German playmakers to do their thing. Switzerland have a similar style of technician, although almost certainly a level down in quality, in their midfield. Granit Xhaka, fresh from winning the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, adds experience, ballast and guile. He anchors the Swiss and allows the creative Remo Freuler to pull strings next to him. Scotland must be competitive in that area.
Therefore, the compilation of the midfield is important. After being left out against Germany, Billy Gilmour – Scotland’s most gifted passer – is being tipped to come in. Who does he replace? Take your pick from any four of the central midfielders that did not perform against Germany. Ryan Christie seems the most obvious one to drop out but Callum McGregor, Scott McTominay and John McGinn could have little complaint if they were to make way. McTominay and McGinn may be safe by virtue of their goal threat and ability to break beyond the forward line.
It’s about who gets positioned in that hierarchy. There has to be one change. Due to Ryan Porteous’ suspension, Grant Hanley is expected to take over as the starting centre of defence. James Forrest, a more experienced and offensive wing-back, or Ross McCrorie might replace Anthony Ralston at right wing-back, and Gilmour’s return is a real possibility. Lawrence Shankland is pressuring Che Adams to take the offensive lead. Although Clarke is not a panicky person, he may make a lot of switches. Four modifications, in a strict maximum, to his starting XI is predicted.
Switzerland did not qualify for the tournament with much of a swagger, finishing second behind Romania and holding off a late charge from Israel in their group. This resulted in expectation levels dipping among the Swiss support, who are now lifted by the tonic of that 3-1 win over Hungary.
Euro 2024 feels like the last roll of the dice for a Swiss golden generation spearheaded by Xhaka. Xerdan Shaqiri is now an impact sub at best, but he still has a box of tricks to dip into. At the back, hugely experienced goalkeeper Yann Sommer has Fabian Schar of Newcastle, Man City’s Manuel Akanji and the ultra-dependable Ricardo Rodrigues in front of to him. Yet take a look at Switzerland’s recent results and they cough up goals. Kosovo and Belarus netted more than once in recent encounters. Even Andorra breached the Swiss last summer.
Scotland needs to be cautious when it comes to the other end of the pitch. Normally playing alongside Freuler as a centre midfielder for Bologna, Michel Aebischer was used as a left wing-back against Hungary, cutting inside and enjoying a free-wheeling position. Scotland must put him under surveillance. Another dynamic Bologna player, Dan Ndoye is a direct, quick striker who can be a threat next to Ruben Vargas. Unexpectedly starting as the lone striker against the Magyars, Kwadwo Duah scored the first goal with a clear finish. Breel Embolo, who recently returned from injury, is a more than capable backup who can start in his place. He will likely be selected once more.
Switzerland is in a strong position following a convincing victory against Hungary, but they will also have to contend with the assumption that they will be favourites. They are possession-based like Germany, although they have shown that they can slow down in recent games, such as against Hungary. Compared to Germany, Scotland was apathetic, but this opponent is far worse. So, in order to achieve the result they so sorely need on the banks of the Rhine, Clarke’s team needs to be more belligerent than cautious.
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