Scotland’s EM comeback after a tournament spanning more than two decades has largely been a failure. Especially when it comes to their second goal, a spectacular victory for Leverkusen.
Patrick Schick was praised by his teammates after his big performance and was celebrated by fans for his 50m dream goal for the eternity of the European Championship. The Czech Bundesliga professional has spoiled Scotland with their double pack on their way back to the European Championship stage. In Monday’s 2-0 (1-0) win at Glasgower Hampden Park, the Leverkusen striker was the outstanding man of the game with his two goals (42nd/52nd minute). The second goal at the start of the preliminary round would be seen in every review of the tournament – almost an arc lamp from the center line.
With a superb long-range shot from nearly 50 meters to do 2-0, Schick recognized that Scottish goalkeeper David Marshall was too far in front of the goal. “It is clear that we have already seen the target of the tournament. Nobody needs to try to beat it,” said Czech midfielder Tomas Sousek. Schick thus continued the Bundesliga’s good scoring record: it was the eighth goal of the tournament by a professional employed in Germany.
Despite the self-sacrificing struggle, the Scots’ hopes of a successful start to their first European Football Championship since 1996 remained unfulfilled. “We still have two chances to do well and make some of it,” said midfielder Stuart Armstrong. Before the British duel against England on Friday, which Croatia had beaten 1-0, the chances of a first entry into the knockout rounds fell sharply. The Czechs, on the other hand, celebrated themselves in front of some of their fans among 9,847 spectators.
Scotland didn’t have much heart and passion in the game against the clever Czech, well managed by Berlin referee Daniel Seibert. The special day of first tournament participation since the 1998 World Cup was noticeable for the Bravehearts in every second of the game. “I hope we inspire the nation and make people happy,” said captain Andy Robertson. It didn’t work out, at least initially, which is why the iconic duel at London’s Wembley Stadium is all the more important now.
Then the Scots must show more class and, above all, ultimate strength. Inspired by emotional chants and cheers, the Tartan army presented itself with great enthusiasm against the Czech Republic. It was usually dangerous when Liverpool star Robertson stepped to the left. His shot from 16 meters thumped Tomas Vaiklick brilliantly (32nd) as Scotland’s biggest chance.
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What Klopp hero Robertson was to the Scots, Hertha’s Vladimir Darida was to the Czechs who, unlike the Scots, have been a permanent guest at the European Championship for 25 years. Darida was a fixed point in the guests’ game, but like everyone else he was under Schick’s shadow.
Leverkusen Schick presented itself not only because of its hits. Prior to this, he only failed with a direct acknowledgment to Scottish goalkeeper Marshall, which made it possible to participate in the finals in the playoffs (16) as a penalty hero. The marshal was powerless when Schick led it after a perfect cross from Vladimir Kaufal.
After the fight and overall, Schick tested the Scottish goalkeeper again (46th). Almost in turn, the hosts reported back when Jack Hendry hit the bar from 17m (48th). And when Vklik stunned his own goal by Tomas Kalas with a scintillating performance, the crowd came back with a swan (49th). until Schick struck again.
Scotland, according to its nature, did not give up. After the Tartan Army were able to win both Nations League doubles in the autumn, this time there was a strong mood.