Cologne: Scotland were unable to claim a first major tournament victory in 28 years against Switzerland on Wednesday, but they bounced back from a humbling loss to Germany to record a 1-1 draw which keeps their chances of reaching the last 16 of Euro 2024 alive.

As much as Steve Clarke’s team were dismal in their 5-1 defeat against the hosts in Munich in the tournament’s opening game, they were mature and courageous in holding the Swiss in Cologne. Facing a much more experienced side, Scotland went ahead early on when Manchester United’s Scott McTominay — their top scorer in qualifying — swept home Callum McGregor’s cutback on a counter-attack.

They were pegged back before half-time when Xherdan Shaqiri pounced on a slack pass by Anthony Ralston to score with a stunning strike. That was one of several instances of Scotland looking shaky in possession at the back, but the improvement from their display against Germany was remarkable. “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,” Clarke told reporters. His decision to bring pocket-sized Billy Gilmour into the side for Ryan Christie brought a level of assurance and quality on the ball in midfield that was sorely lacking against Germany. “He is a fantastic player. It was always my intention to start Billy in the second game,” Clarke said of the 23-year-old. “Maybe that is why he didn’t start the first game. I knew the little man was tiring towards the end of the game, because it is a tough shift in the midfield.” Playing the number 10 role, McTominay’s physical presence also caused plenty of problems for the Swiss side.

 Scotland rode their luck at times, with Dan Ndoye missing one glorious chance before Breel Embolo had a goal disallowed for a tight offside. However, Scotland looked the more likely winners late on and Grant Hanley — in for the suspended Ryan Porteous - hit the post with a late header.