FALL GUY
Cheeky Swiss THANK Scotland star Anthony Ralston for backpass blooper but Celtic star praised for bouncing back
Manager Steve Clarke leapt to his defence
IT was the kind of moment on the big stage which could have caused lesser individuals to crumble.
When the dust had settled in Cologne last night it also ultimately cost Scotland the chance to get what would have been a crucial three points.
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But Scotland and Celtic star Anthony Ralston walked off the pitch with the praise of captain Andy Robertson and manager Steve Clarke ringing in his ears for a whole-hearted display in that second period.
Ralston, a bit part player for the Hoops this season with Alistair Johnston the clear first choice right back, has found himself suddenly thrust into action at the Euros with Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson both out injured.
Ralston had a baptism of fire attempting to keep tabs on quicksilver German duo Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala in the opening game.
And there was no hiding place at times last night as the likes of Dan Ndoye and Ruben Vargas ran at him in the box and attempted to get shots off.
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It culminated in an errant backpass which missed out intended target Grant Hanley and allowed Xherdan Shaqiri to fire in a sublime equaliser.
But he came into his own as he played on fumes and instinct in that second half as he gave everything to the cause.
Swiss outlet Blick this morning couldn't resist having a little bit of fun at the Celtic man's expense.
He said: "Thank you, Anthony Ralston.
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"And: Thank you, Xherdan Shaqiri!
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"Ralston's disastrous back pass became the perfect pass for Shaqiri.
"The 32-year-old's dream shot from 18m hits the crossbar perfectly.
"An unstoppable stroke of genius. Scottish defender Ralston plays a pass into the centre that would have earned the boot from even a junior team.
"Shaqiri doesn't care: he smells a rat and scores miraculously."
That was a different theme from the comments from his captain on BBC Sport.
Robertson said: "We got off to a great start and then we made a mistake.
"Not many people come back from that, it was difficult for Anthony but he came back from that."
Clarke said: 'When Tony (Ralston) made the mistake, it was a small mistake.
"If that chance falls to any other player in the Swiss team, it's not a goal.
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"hat tells you how good a player I think he is."
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