Scotland’s first match at a men’s major finals in 23 years ended in anguish after Patrik Schick’s incredible halfway-line goal helped the Czech Republic inflict a deflating opening Euro 2020 defeat at Hampden.
Schick’s goal, which added to his headed first-half opener, punctured a carnival atmosphere with a sharp dose of reality for Steve Clarke’s side.
Scotland now go to Wembley on Friday with a heightened need for a positive result against a buoyant England, before their group campaign comes to a close against Croatia in Glasgow four days later.
A blistering start from the Scots served to steady the ship amid a cacophony that defied the quarter-full national stadium.
But as the game looked destined for a stalemate at half-time, the hammer blow arrived. A corner was just about cleared, only for the Scots to switch off.
Vladimir Coufal overlapped with space and time on his side, his delivery being met by Schick, who steered his header home while sandwiched between Liam Cooper and Grant Hanley.
Scotland rallied again in most parts of the first half, till a ball broke to Schick on the halfway line, and the Bayer Leverkusen man did not even look up as his astonishing arching shot arrowed over Marshall. Hampden was so silent the noise of the ball hitting the net could be heard.
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
Google+
YouTube
LinkedIn
RSS