World
Joe Hart salutes the pillar that protects Celtic pal in darkest moment
Impressed Joe Hart reckons Scotland can “dance with anyone” as he praised the dressing room for having Anthony Ralston’s back despite his Euro 2024 gaffe against Switzerland.
The Celtic hero namechecked Andy Robertson for sticking up for Ralston after the Celtic right back’s mistake allowed Xherdan Shaqiri to fire home a stunning leveller past Angus Gunn. But Scotland are alive as Scott McTominay’s finish had us ahead and dreaming of a first tournament win in 28 years.
However, it finished 1-1 in Cologne – yet it’s still all to play for as we take on Hungary in Stuttgart on Sunday night with a win likely to lead us to the knockouts for the first time in history. Record Sport had an ear on the leading pundits and what their verdict was on the big game as the former England No.1 led the views from the studio.
Joe Hart
“Tony Ralston, he’ll be disappointed with the Switzerland goal but what a goal, what a strike, absolutely perfect, first time. Angus Gunn, who had a really good first half, he’s not getting near that.
“These guys aren’t making it up when they talk about getting back to us, playing like us, they believe in what they do. They believe if a Scotland team performs, how it should perform, they can dance with anyone. That is what they were more disappointed with in the Germany game.
“The belief is there, Andy Robertson spoke about Tony Ralston having a difficult moment then second half being there, putting his body on the line, showing up for his team. That’s what this Scotland team is about, big moments, big players, there’s a huge team spirit in there. I’m looking forward to seeing what they do on Sunday.”
David Moyes
“We needed a point, at least, and we got that. After the first half, we did brilliantly at the start of the game. We gave away a really poor but, I have to say, it was nail biting if it would go our way or Switzerland’s way. A point is something we can build on and give ourselves a chance in the last game.
“I think Germany will play their better players and get themselves a result (against Switzerland), I hope so. Scotland have to do their job now and now we have another big build-up to another big game.”
Kris Boyd
“A point will do. We’re alive and kicking. A victory against Hungary on Sunday will be achieved. They responded tonight, it was more like Scotland. Switzerland are no mugs and Scotland more than matched them. Steve Clarke will be relatively happy with that result. That’s the difference from Akanji, unbelievable defending. McTominay is ready to knock it in the back of the net.”
Rachel Corsie
“I thought we were the better team in the second half. Towards the end there I thought we really went for it. A couple of balls just didn’t break for us. They’ll be relieved they’ve got a point on the board and now they can re-group and look forward to the last game. Tonight’s performance emotionally and mentally will count for a lot.”