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.
Around 9,000 fans witnessed the Scots strike the bar amid a glut of chances, but a first foray beyond the group stage already looks a tough ask.
Scotland now go to Wembley with a heightened need for a positive result against a buoyant England, before their group campaign comes to a close against Croatia in Glasgow next Friday.
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It was a day a generation of fans thought they would never see again. For those in their early 20s and younger, the sight of Scotland on a stage such as this was embraced for the first time.
While the revelry in the build up lasted for hours as supporters trickled into Hampden, a nervous tension was palpable throughout the place. There are some things some Euro 2020 branding just cannot hide.
From videos of the team bus arriving, to the news that Kieran Tierney was out injured, nerves were jangling everywhere.
A blistering start from the Scots served to steady the ship amid a cacophony that defied the quarter-full national stadium.
Scotland rampaged out the blocks. John McGinn’s early snapshot triggered a roar from the crowd, every booming run and cross from Andy Robertson had the crowd on their feet.
But, slowly, as the Scots were forced back, the nervousness and Czech confidence grew. David Marshall was forced into an early save. A warning shot of what was to come.
Clarke’s side roared back with courage and belief befitting a team who had held their nerve in two shootouts to get here.
Robertson again owned the left with a run and cross; Dykes surely should have done better with a first-time effort that whistled by the near post; and Robertson would go close himself soon after, with the fingertips of Tomas Vaclik denying him triggering thunder in the stands.
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.
Che Adams was introduced at half-time and he made a difference, but not before Marshall twice saved Scotland just seconds after the restart.
Scotland rallied again. A floated effort from Jack Hendry scudded the bar as Hampden gasped. They did so again as a sclaffed Tomas Kalas clearance looped over Vaclik, who just recovered to clear.
If only Marshall could have done likewise three later. Hendry’s attempted drive was charged down with Scotland exposed badly.
The ball broke to Schick on the halfway line, and the Bayer Leverkusen man didn’t even look up as his astonishing arcing shot arrowed over Marshall. Hampden was so silent the noise of it hitting the net could be heard.
The hosts came again and again in the search of a lifeline. Anything. An Armstrong effort looped just over, while Dykes twice went close.
Match stats
- This was the Czechs first win against Scotland since October 2010, ending a run of one draw and three defeats.
- Scotland have lost their opening match in five of their last six appearances at a major tournament, failing to score on five occasions in that run.
- Scotland have failed to score in five of their seven Euros matches, with the exceptions being a 3-0 win over CIS (1992) and a 1-0 win against Switzerland (1996).
- There were just 12 fouls conceded in this match (six each), the lowest total on record at the Euros since 1980.
- Schick has been involved in 10 goals in his last nine international starts (8 goals, 2 assists).
- At 49.7 yards, Schick’s second was the furthest distance from which a goal has been scored at the Euros since 1980.
- At 36 years and 101 days, goalkeeper Marshall became the second oldest player to appear for Scotland at a major tournament, after 39-year-old Jim Leighton played in all three games at the 1998 World Cup.