Steve Clarke claims the real Scotland showed themselves in the 1-1 draw against Switzerland which keeps their Euro 2024 hopes alive.
The Scots were thrashed 5-1 by Germany in the opening Group A game in Munich on Friday which left the Scots boss and the Tartan Army demanding a reaction which they got.
Scott McTominay’s shot in the 13th minute was deflected in by Swiss defender Fabian Schar before Xherdan Shaqiri took advantage of an Anthony Ralston error in the 26th minute to level in Cologne.
Germany have qualified on six points, Switzerland are on four with Scotland on one ahead of their final game against pointless Hungary in Stuttgart on Sunday.
“It was what we expected,” said Clarke, who confirmed defender Kieran Tierney will not play against Hungary after picking up an injury and being taken off on a stretcher.
“This is the way we have been playing as a team for the last three or four years. It is why we are here at a major tournament.
“I thought it was a good team performance against a good opponent.
“It was a good reaction to a disappointing night and we are still alive in the tournament.
“Sometimes as a player or manager it doesn’t go your way and it certainly didn’t go our way on Friday night.
“Tonight was about getting back to what we are good at, working hard, making sure we got the preparation right, and I think we did.
“They are going to feel a lot better going into the next game on the back of that kind of performance.
“We showed that as well as the aggression and fight and that dirty side of the game if you like, we can play.
“When we get the ball down we play, we created some chances, Switzerland created some chances.
“We did what we had to do and are still in the competition.”
Clarke claimed only Shaqiri in the Switzerland side could have come up with his terrific finish from distance.
He said: “When Tony made the mistake – a small mistake that could have been recovered – any other player on the Swiss team, it is not a goal. It tells you what I think of him.
“You know it was destined for the top corner. He is a top player and you don’t give top players that kind of chance.”
Clarke said he was glad to be asked about goalkeeper Angus Gunn, who made several mistakes after being criticised following his display against Germany.
“You need your goalkeeper to make some good saves,” the Scotland boss added.
“He made two or three big saves and that’s what you need. I am really pleased for him.”
Switzerland boss Murat Yakin, whose side should qualify even if they lose to Germany, was not surprised by Scotland’s improvement.
He said: “Scotland needed to bounce back after first match, their pride was hurt, so we expected them to react.
“We had to expect pressure and for them to shut down space. We fell behind and had to spend more energy than expected to equalise and that helped us. We really missed some good opportunities.
“It was a tough match and it will be a hard-fought game between Scotland and Hungary.
“It will be a different match against Germany. We don’t have to win but it will be a difficult match.”
[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Weakness]: 1. Shimizu S-Pulse are 13th in the J1 League table. Facing 2nd-placed Kashima Antlers, they will find it hard to win this match due to their declining form, indicating doubtful motivation.2. Shimizu S-Pulse defender Yuji Takahashi and forward Sena Saito will miss this league game due to injuries.3. Shimizu S-Pulse were winless with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 g...
Liverpool table fresh Guehi bidAccording to The Athletic, Liverpool have submitted a fresh bid worth £35 million ($47m) to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The Reds had earlier seen two bids rejected by the Eagles, but they remain hopeful that this time the offer will be accepted.Fenerbahce eyeing move for EdersonTurkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce are eyeing a move for out-of-favour Manc...
Roma medical for Liverpool fullback TsimikasAS Roma are holding a medical for Kostas Tsimikas today.The Liverpool fullback is leaving Anfield after finding himself third-choice this season behind fellow left-backs Andrew Robertson and Milos Kerkez.La Gazzetta dello Sport says the Greece international is expected in Italy today to finalise his move.Tsimikas will undergo a medical ahead of signing a...
FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-FULHAMMarco Silva has demanded an explanation from the Premier League after lambasting three "shocking" refereeing decisions in Fulham's 2-0 Premier League loss at Chelsea.WHAT HAPPENED?The Whites thought they had taken the lead against their west London rivals Chelsea when 18-year-old Josh King coolly slotted past Robert Sanchez. However, the goal was chalked off by referee Rob...
[(Shonan Bellmare) Strength]: 1. Shonan Bellmare are one of the bottom teams in the table, taking 25 points and being in the relegation zone. They are strongly motivated to grab points.[(Shonan Bellmare) Neutral]: 1. Shonan Bellmare drew the last 4 home games, revealing mediocre home performances.[(Shonan Bellmare) Weakness]: 1. Shonan Bellmare lost 1-0 to Fagiano Okayama on the road in the last g...
Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Europa League Final 2025Chelsea have completed the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.WHAT HAPPENED?Garnacho has signed a seven-year contract with the Blues after the two Premier League clubs agreed a deal worth a fixed £40 million fee ($54m) with a 10 per cent sell-on clause, Goal understands. The 21-year-old ha...
Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025-26Liverpool have launched a fresh bid for Marc Guehi as they hope that Crystal Palace will finally accept their proposal and agree to sell their star defender before the summer transfer window closes on Monday. The Reds have been linked with a move for the England international throughout the summer and the champions are determined to secure his signature.WHAT HAPPEN...
West Ham United v Lille OSC - Pre-Season FriendlyAston Villa are close to signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta on an initial loan with an obligation to buy next summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Villa are on the brink of agreeing a £47 million (€54m/$63m) package for Paqueta which includes a loan fee and add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano. The report also states the 28-year-old has ac...
[(Nagoya Grampus) Strength]: 1. Nagoya Grampus currently have only 28 points and are near the bottom of the league table. To avoid relegation, they need to earn points.[(Nagoya Grampus) Neutral]: 1. Nagoya Grampus' 7 successive games ended with OVER.[(Nagoya Grampus) Weakness]: 1. Nagoya Grampus lost 2-4 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their last Emperor's Cup game, with poor performance.2. In the lates...
Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2025Premier League champions Liverpool have confirmed that star attacker Cody Gakpo has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, which has extended his stay at Anfield beyond 2028. The Dutchman who joined the club in January 2023, during the Jurgen Klopp era, has established himself as a regular starter under new boss Arne Slot and has now committed his future to the Reds...
