Silky Swiss bracing for battle with Scotland's pride on the line

DUESSELDORF, Germany - Switzerland expect to see a more determined version of Scotland on Wednesday and will need to fight hard for their second Euro 2024 win, coach Murat Yakin said, as the Swiss target the knockout rounds of yet another major tournament.

Switzerland got off to an impressive start on Saturday with a slick 3-1 win over Hungary, while Scotland are fighting for their Euros survival and to restore wounded pride after a miserable 5-1 drubbing by hosts Germany in the opening game.

"It's not just about celebrating football. You have to run and when you play against Scotland you have to know what they're capable of doing," Yakin said ahead of the Group A match in Cologne.

"I'm sure they want to hurt us where they have their strengths. So we need to concentrate and focus. We need to work hard and get into the game. And I don't think they will make it easy for us."

Switzerland have a knack of stepping up in the big contests having reached the knockout stages of the past five major tournaments.

At Euro 2020 they famously eliminated then world champions France, launching a thrilling late comeback before prevailing in a penalty shootout.

By contrast, Scotland have never made it out of the group phase in 11 previous major tournaments.

After a poor Swiss qualifying campaign fraught with costly errors, Yakin faced criticism over tactics and calls to step down but proved his doubters wrong on Saturday by bringing back three players who each got on the scoresheet.

Yakin said he was unfazed by reports of unfavourable weather on the way that could make for a soggy encounter in Cologne.

"We can still concentrate on our game," he said. "If it's difficult to play on the pitch, the players will notice when they're warming up and they'll adapt."

He singled out the form of defender Manuel Akanji, who started the move that led to Switzerland's first goal against Hungary, and said he wanted him to marshall play beyond the defence.

"He has to take on more responsibility. And the way he plays, of course, I hope that in the midfield he will carry the team and that he will direct other players," Yakin said. "Manuel has made a lot of progress there."

Akanji said it was no surprise the team came together in the opening match.

"We were all ready. And we were looking forward to the first game. And we need that same anticipation for tomorrow," he said. REUTERS