Euro 2024: Scotland vs Switzerland: Preview, Prediction & Betting Tips

Scotland already finds itself in a precarious situation heading into the second group game against Switzerland. Following the heavy defeat against Germany, Scotland will more than likely be looking to finish second or perhaps one of the better placed third place teams.

The Tartan Army would hope to improve on their performance from the opening game and the squad is filled with Premier League players who need to impress if Scotland were to take anything from this game. In midfield and attack, Scott McTominay would need to carry on his form for club and country as Scotland desperately chase points from the second group game.

McTominay was largely ineffective in the opening game, however, the Manchester United midfielder can still produce when needed. McTominay finished as the top scorer for Scotland in qualifying with seven goals and for his club, the midfielder had his best individual season with seven Premier League goals in 32 appearances.

Switzerland impressed in their opening game against Hungary as they were 2-0 up against their opponents in the first half. Granit Xhaka will be key for their chances against Scotland as the midfielder will be entering the tournament with huge confidence following his successful season with Bayer Leverkusen.

Kwadwo Duah caused Hungary problems in the opening game. The Ludogrets striker had only played 45 minutes of international football before becoming a surprise selection for the national side. In only his second appearance, Duah scored the opening goal against Hungary.

For this match, we think Scotland will provide a better performance. For Scotland, the performance and display will be significant to any potential chance they have of qualifying. Switzerland’s performance against Hungary will be of concern to Scotland and for this reason, we are predicting Switzerland to beat Scotland 3-1.

Scotland 1-3 Switzerland

Scotland are in search of points in the second group game, as they take on a Switzerland side who very much impressed against Hungary in Group A. Both teams will have an outline of how their qualification chances will stand following the opening two games.

• Kick-Off: 8 PM
• Location: RheinEnergieStadion
• Date: 20/06/2024

Scotland has competed in three European Championships. With their opening game against Germany marking now the fourth time the Tartan Army has appeared in the European Championships. Scotland’s game against Hungary will mark the tenth game for Scotland at the European Championships – winning twice, drawing twice and losing five in the nine games already played.

Scotland has yet to progress from the group stage phase in any of their previous tournaments. Their best performance came in 1996 when the Tartan Army obtained four points and were beaten to a qualification place by the Netherlands on goal – largely in part to their late consolation goal against tournament hosts England.

Switzerland have appeared in five European Championships and with their opening win over Hungary, Switzerland have now made it six appearances in total. Switzerland’s best performance was at the last European Championships where they reached the quarterfinals. Famously they were involved, in a high-scoring 3-3 draw against France where they defeated the former World Champions on penalties.

Scotland and Switzerland faced each other in Euro 1996 where Scotland recorded a 1-0 victory thanks to a 36th minute goal by current ITV commentator Ally McCoist.

Scotland

Ryan Porteous will be suspended for this game, following his immediate dismissal for a reckless challenge on Ilkay Gundogan which led to a Germany penalty. The likes of Andy Robertson and Scott McTominay will likely feature as part of a strong Premier League contingent.

Switzerland

Switzerland will likely start newcomer Kwadwo Duah. Duah featured up front and scored against Hungary in place of Breel Embolo. Embolo could feature in more minutes after being nursed back from injury, having only played under 200 minutes of football this season.

Scotland

Scotland qualified for their fourth European Championship by finishing second in their group – a group which consisted of Spain and Norway. Scotland finished with an impressive 17 points from 24 points possible, having finished four points behind Spain. The Tartan Army won five, drew two and lost only one of their eight group games – the loss came against Spain in which Scotland had a goal controversially ruled out.

Following the disappointing defeat against Germany in the opening game, Scotland are in considerably poor form. In their last five games, Steve Clarke’s side have won only once, drawing once and losing the remaining three. Scotland’s most recent win was a 2-0 win over Gibraltar in which they failed to score in the first half. Ryan Christie and Che Adams were the scorers for Scotland that day.

Scotland’s most recent game before this tournament was a 2-2 draw against Finland at Hampden Park. The home side took the lead through an own goal from Arttu Hoskonen early in the second half and in the 58th minute, Scotland doubled their lead, thanks to a fine header from Lawrence Shankland. Two late goals from Benjamin Kallman and Oliver Antman denied Scotland a much-needed confidence boost before the tournament.

Switzerland

Switzerland qualified for yet another international tournament by finishing second behind Romania in their qualifying group and just edging out Israel in the race to qualify. Switzerland finished five points behind Romana and won four out of their ten group games which was just enough to secure a path to Germany.

Switzerland is in impressive form heading into this crucial second game against Scotland. Switzerland is unbeaten in their last five games, following their 3-1 win against Hungary in the opening group fixture. Kwadwo Duah opened the scoring against Hungary, after a VAR Check with a great first-time finish. Just before the half-time whistle, Michel Aebishcer produced a wonderful finish from the edge of the area. Hungary did pull one back through Bernabas Varga, however, Switzerland talisman Breel Embolo capitalised on a defensive error to cooly loft the ball past Gulasci in the Hungarian goal.

The game will be shown live on BBC One and the BBC Sport app which can be found on any multimedia device.

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