Scotland Euros Odds: Steve Clarke's side 6/4 to reach knockout stages

Scotland responded valiantly to their Germany drubbing by claiming a point against Switzerland and the fate of Steve Clarke's side remains in their own hands ahead of Sunday's showdown with Hungary.

Following the Switzerland stalemate in Cologne, bet365's Steve Freeth said: "There was more joy for Super Boost fans with the fifth one out of six copping at the Euros after just 13 minutes thanks to Scotland scoring (4/7 – Evens) with a deflected effort from the well backed Scott McTominay.

"The Manchester United player, as well as tournament stalwart Xherdan Shaqiri, figured prominently in Bet Builders with us taking a hit on those markets - but the low scoring nature of the game, coupled with a draw, ensured we finished on top in this one.

"Steve Clarke’s side won’t finish on top of Group A, but they’ve at least given themselves a chance of finally progressing to the knockout stage of a major tournament. The Scots, who were 2/1 to qualify before kick-off, touched 10/11 after their opener, but are now 6/4 after being pegged back by an all too familiar ‘worldie’ from former Stoke City man Shaqiri."

Nightmare start for Scots in Munich

It was always going to be difficult for Scotland to take anything from their match with the tournament hosts, but they delivered a nervy and uninspired performance at the Allianz Arena.

Germany recorded not only their biggest ever victory at the Euros, but also the largest margin of success achieved by any side in the opening match of a European Championship.

Goals from Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala had Germany two in front inside 19 minutes and just as it looked like Scotland had avoided any further damage before the break, they conceded a penalty on the stroke of half-time that was converted by Kai Havertz and also led to the sending-off of centre-back Ryan Porteous.

Substitute Niclas Fullkrug made it 4-0 midway through the second half and, although Clarke's troops pulled one back in fortuitous fashion thanks to Antonio Rudiger's own goal, Emre Can then completed the scoring for Germany in stoppage time.

Response delivered in Cologne

There was nothing to lose for Scotland after their opening night dismantling and Clarke's side exhibited their real identity in the 1-1 draw with Switzerland.

The Scots produced a spirited performance which keeps their hopes of qualifying for the next stage alive and were arguably unfortunate not to take all three points in a contest that had hearts racing in the closing exchanges.

McTominay’s deflected effort put them ahead in the 13th minute before former Liverpool forward Shaqiri punished an Anthony Ralston error 13 minutes later.

Angus Gunn received his fair share of criticism for the hammering by Germany but he was pivotal in keeping Scotland in the game, saving smartly from the lively Dan Ndoye in both halves.

It was a frenetic contest, one that teetered back and forth as Grant Hanley struck the woodwork from six-yards out. In the dying embers, Switzerland substitute Zeki Amdouni was guilty of spurning a gilt-edged chance.

Scotland's resilience ultimately shone through and there was enough substance in attack to suggest they will cause Hungary plenty of problems in their concluding group match.

Clarke's side Hungary to progress

The result against Switzerland means Scotland are now 6/4 to progress to the knockout stages and 1/2 to be sent home early.

Since the 24-team format was introduced in 2016, four points has been sufficient to secure qualification to the last 16. No team has scored two points and progressed as one of the four best third-place teams.

That ultimately means it's win or bust for Scotland against Hungary in Stuttgart, though the Hungarians will still feel they have a chance of progressing despite succumbing to defeats against Switzerland and Germany.

There is still a chance that Scotland can overhaul Switzerland in second, though that would require Scotland to win their final group match, Switzerland to lose against Germany and a significant goal swing go in favour of Clarke's Scots.

Hungary are the marginal favourites to prevail in Sunday's clash at 6/4, with Scotland priced at 31/20 to secure the vital three points they need which should secure their progression.

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.