That was the real Scotland, says Steve Clarke

Steve Clarke claims the real Scotland showed themselves in the 1-1 draw against Switzerland in Cologne 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.

Midfielder Scott McTominay's shot in the 13th minute was deflected in by Swiss defender Fabian Schar before returning Xherdan Shaqiri took advantage of an Anthony Ralston error in the 26th minute to level with a terrific finish.

Germany, who beat Scotland 5-1 in the opening game, have qualified on six points, Switzerland are on four with Scotland on one, ahead of the Scots' final game against point-less Hungary in Stuttgart on Sunday.

"It was what we expected," said Clarke, who confirmed defender Kieran Tierney who was take off on a stretcher in the second half after picking up and injury will not play against Hungary.

"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.

"We knew what we had to do, the players knew what they had to do.

"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.

"It is just about being better all the time. 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 which is what we are, this is how we play, this is how we work.

"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 keeper Angus Gunn who made several mistakes after being criticised following his display against Germany.

He said: "You need your goalkeeper to make some good saves.

"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, expected a better performance from Scotland than what they had turned in against the hosts.

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."

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