World media reacts as Scotland cause a football icon to froth with fury and Ralston served up universal slapdown
The world observed Scotland and their passionate fans rectifying some issues against Switzerland.
Who would have predicted Ossie Ardiles getting so worked up about Scotland in their Euro 2024 bingo card?
Certainly not us. However, the Argentine and Tottenham icon was notably incensed by both Scotland and Group A rivals Switzerland following what others viewed as an exciting match in Cologne. Ardiles, in a fit of anger, labeled it one of the worst games he’d ever seen and criticized pundits who praised it. He exclaimed, “Scotland vs Switzerland. What an awful, awful game. How can two teams play so poorly? No creativity in attack. Pele, his immortal words: Football is a beautiful game… You must be kidding. What a disgrace. The TV commentary, if anything, was even worse.”
Apologies, Ossie, but we prefer Ricky Villa, our favorite Argentine legend from the past. Is Ardiles’ opinion echoed globally in other reports? Record Sport monitors reactions closely as others seem enthusiastic about the 1-1 draw, highlighted by goals from Scott McTominay and Xherdan Shaqiri, who capitalized on a significant error by Anthony Raston. Scotland could secure a spot in the Round of 16 with a win over Hungary, while Switzerland are likely to progress regardless.
Blick (Switzerland)
There were mixed reactions, both genuine and mocking, from our Swiss friends. They remarked, “Thanks, Anthony Ralston. And: Thanks, Xherdan Shaqiri! Ralston’s disastrous back pass turned into the perfect setup for Shaqiri. The 32-year-old’s precise strike from 18 meters hit the crossbar perfectly. An unstoppable stroke of brilliance. Scottish defender Ralston played a pass into the center that would have earned a rebuke even from a youth team. Shaqiri didn’t hesitate: he smelled an opportunity and scored miraculously.”
“Even if we lose to Germany, it would be extremely difficult for Scotland to surpass us in the standings. Since Scotland lost 1-5 to Germany, Switzerland has a better goal difference by six goals. This means: Scotland would need to defeat Hungary 4-0 and Switzerland would need to lose to Germany 0-3. Even then, qualification for the round of 16 would still be possible, as third-placed teams with four points usually advance. Just look at Portugal: They even won the European Championship in 2016 after three draws in the group stage.”
Bild (Germany)
The German publication discussed both teams, noting, “Scotland remains in contention thanks to their point and could secure their place with a victory over Hungary. After an evenly contested first half, both sides had their moments in the second half. Switzerland’s best chance fell to Ndoye, who missed from 17 meters out. Hanley came closest to scoring the winner for Scotland, but his header struck the post. Ultimately, it was a fair draw that keeps both teams’ hopes alive.”
Tagesanzeiger (Switzerland)
Meanwhile, Scottish fans once again left a significant impression. “The first tale of the evening didn’t come from the Swiss, but from the Scottish fans, even before kickoff. The Swiss sang their anthem with vigor in western Cologne until the Scots started singing ‘Flower of Scotland.’ With perhaps 20,000 or more in the stadium, their singing nearly lifted the roof. It was deafening. In terms of volume, they likely set a new world record in that moment. Scottish fans cheer every duel won or throw-in as fervently as others celebrate a goal.
“No one emerged victorious, but perhaps neither side regrets it too much. Switzerland certainly doesn’t, maintaining their position as second force in Group A, likely to stay there unless something extraordinary happens. Similarly, Scotland remains firmly in contention to qualify for the round of 16, at least among the best third-placed teams, with everything to play for against Hungary.”
“Expecting a cautious approach from Steve Clarke’s squad, Scotland instead displayed a resilient performance. Consequently, both goals came in the first half. McTominay capitalized on a decisive deflection by Schar, redirecting a seemingly harmless shot past Sommer. Shaqiri, on the other hand, exploited a defensive error by Scotland to conjure up a spectacular strike.”
L’Equipe (France)
“After a spirited and lively encounter, Switzerland took a significant stride towards the round of 16. Tested by a determined Scottish side, they managed to hold on until the final whistle. Meanwhile, Scotland remains in contention but must secure a victory against Hungary to have a chance at progressing to the knockout stage.”
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