Dangerous to play for draw against Swiss, says Scotland manager Clarke

DUESSELDORF, Germany : Scotland must not go into Wednesday's Euro 2024 clash against Switzerland thinking a draw would be sufficient, manager Steve Clarke said on Tuesday ahead of the Group A game in Cologne.

A 5-1 thrashing by hosts Germany in the opener last Friday was the most one-sided game so far and left Scotland facing another early exit, having failed to reach the knockout rounds in 11 previous major tournaments.

Despite the gloom of that debacle, however, all is not lost and Scotland still have their fate in their own hands, although defeat by Switzerland would almost certainly eliminate them.

A point would likely send Scotland into a final game tussle with Hungary for third place and a possible last-16 spot, but that was not a scenario a subdued Clarke was entertaining when he addressed the media at the Cologne Stadium on Tuesday.

"It's about doing better, working better in the game. We thought we were well prepared for Germany. Obviously we weren't. This time I think it's better not to say too much," Clarke, who offered only brief answers to questions, said.

"But going into the game thinking you only need a point is dangerous."

Switzerland impressed with a 3-1 victory over Hungary in their opening match - a performance that earned Murat Yakin's side plenty of plaudits and Clarke agreed.

"Very impressed with the Swiss. They were excellent, really good in the first half and controlled the second half well. When they needed a late goal, they managed to do that," he said.

With their pride badly hurt, Scotland fans have urged the team to channel the "Braveheart" spirit that was so lacking in Munich. Asked if his players were bursting to get at the Swiss and make amends, Clarke refused to bite.

"Obviously they want to go