European Football Championship
Thanks to Patrick Schick, the Czech Republic progressing to the Round of 16, the Scottish European Championship comeback has been a huge failure. The Leverkusen striker is particularly impressive when it comes to his second goal.
Photo: Petr David Josek/Pool AP/DPA
When he revisited his own dream goal for EM Eternity in the iteration, Patrick Schick himself was enthused.
With a stroke of brilliance from nearly 50 metres, the Czech Bundesliga professional crowned his stellar performance in a 2–0 (1–0) victory over Scotland, which spoiled the co-hosts’ mood when they returned to the tournament stage. . The Leverkusen striker proudly presented the trophy as the player of the game after his two goals (42nd/52nd minute).
“It’s perfect,” said the 25-year-old excitedly at Hampden Park in Glasgow on Monday. “It’s a good feeling, more so now when I see the target on tape. I hit the ball well—it’s fantastic.”
“Tournament Goal”
Schick recognized a brilliant 2–0 long-range shot that Scottish goalkeeper David Marshall was well ahead of the target. “It is clear that we have already seen the goal of the tournament,” said Czech midfielder Tomas Sousek. “The second goal was out of this world,” said coach Jaroslav Silhavi in surprise. Schick thus continued the Bundesliga’s good scoring record: it was the eighth tournament goal by a professional working in Germany.
Fans and media in the Czech homeland were also enthusiastic: “This goal was chic! Czech goal from the middle of the field impressed the world”, wrote “iSport.cz”. Scotland coach Steve Clarke did not want to reprimand his keeper that he had to go back in vain. Even the opposing coach admitted it was just an “amazing” goal. “It’s a great ending. You have to pay tribute to the striker here.”
Scotland’s first European Championship Championship since 1996
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 German 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, at least initially. This makes the iconic duel at London’s Wembley Stadium all the more significant.
Herthener Darida as a fixed point
Then the bulkheads will have to show more closure 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. What Klopp hero Robertson was to the Scots, Hertha’s Vladimir Darida was to the Czechs. Parida was a fixed point in the guest game, but like everyone else she was under Shicks’ shadow.
Leverkusen Schick presented itself not only because of its hits. He tested Scottish goalkeeper Marshall, who made it possible to participate in the final as a penalty hero in the playoffs more often. Marshall was powerless when Schick’s header was placed, and he looked bad when he scored a dream goal.
But Scotland did not give up. Jack Hendry hits the crossbar from 17m (48th). And when goalkeeper Tomas Vklik stopped his own goal from Tomas Kalas with a brilliant performance, the crowd came back with a laugh (49th). until Schick struck again.
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