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3 months ago
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Scotland's prospects of progressing to the knockout stages may have been assisted by a horticultural calamity at Switzerland’s training ground ahead of their Group A clash on Wednesday.
The Swiss were forced to relocate across Stuttgart on Monday after large patches of grass died on the pitch at their team base.
They formally complained to UEFA last week about the state of the playing surface at Stadion auf der Waldau, home to the Stuttgart Kickers, and have since taken the decision to prepare for the Scotland tie at VFB Stuttgart’s training ground.
The Swiss FA said in a statement: ‘The pitch in our training stadium at the Waldau will be replaced by UEFA.
‘The roots of the grass have died in several places. Therefore, we will train on Monday and Tuesday on the VFB Stuttgart training pitch, at Robert-Schlienz-Stadion, which is in good condition.
Scotland have received a boost to their hopes of reaching the knockout phase of Euro 2024
Switzerland have been forced to temporarily relocate training after large patches of grass died on the pitch at their team base
Scotland hope to produce a strong response following their thrashing by hosts Germany
‘Following the Scotland game, it is planned to train on the new pitch at the Stadion auf der Waldau. However, the condition of the new grass needs to be checked on Thursday.’
A fleet of trucks carrying new turf arrived at Stadion auf der Waldau on Monday.
The disruption might be a source of optimism for Scotland after Steve Clarke’s side was crushed 5-1 by Germany in their opener. A win for Switzerland in Cologne would guarantee their passage to the round of 16 following their 3-1 victory over Hungary.
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