In an underdog duel in Group D, the Czech Republic beat Scotland 2–0. Man of the Game: Star striker Patrick Schick, who scored both goals for the Czechs – the first goal, the second about 50 meters from goal.
Patrick Schick left Scottish fans in disbelief with his goal from the middle line.
© Paul Ellis
Glasgow – Scotland’s first final appearance in nearly 23 years ended in defeat. The Czech Republic won 2-0 (1-0) on Monday at Hampden Park in Glasgow, thanks to two goals from Patrick Schick (42nd, 52nd). The attacker’s second blow was worth watching. Almost from the center line, Schick met with Scottish goalkeeper David Marshall on the matter.
The Czechs overtook the British in Group D, who were also victorious at the start. A duel with the initially defeated Croatian awaits them on Friday. Scotland then anticipates a “Battle of Britain” against England at Wembley in London.
EM Group D: Scotland – Czech Republic 0: 2 (0: 1)
Glasgow, Hampden Park, 12,000 spectators, SR Siebert/GER
- tore off: 0: 1 (42nd) scik, 0: 2 (52nd) scik
- Scotland: Marshall – Hendry (67. McGregor), Hanley, Cooper – O’Donnell (79. Forrest), McGinn, McTominay, Armstrong (67. Fraser), Robertson – Dykes (79. Nisbet), Christie (46. Adams)
- Czech Republic: Vaiklik – Kaufal, Selustka, Kalas, Boril – Kral (67. Hole), Sausek – Masopust (72. Vyadra),
Scotland’s first game on the big stage since the 1998 World Cup was craved by fans. Hampden Park was filled with 12,000 spectators within the framework of the current possibilities. The home side had to pretend to be ill Kieran Tierney from Arsenal. The Czech Republic relied on playwright Vladimir Darida and center forward Schick.
The Leverkusen attacker got his first chance. The Scots could not get the ball away, but Marshall passed the Schicks close to short corner (16th). The Czechs managed to maintain the physical game of Scotland. The game was not of high quality. Andy Robertson missed Scotland’s best chance in the first 45 minutes. The Liverpool star had space and time, but Czech goalkeeper Tomas Vklik swung the shot over the crossbar (32nd). His eleven rewarded themselves shortly before the break. Right-back Vladimir Kaufal crossed after a corner, Schick climbed between the two bulkheads and went into the well.
Half the game started well. Schick and Darida were unsuccessful with their shots at Marshall, before advanced Jack Hendry reached the top of the bar (49th). Vaiklick pushed the ball out of the danger zone after an unsuccessful attempt to defend a man in front. Scotland now seemed closer to a target.
A stroke of genius by Schick destroyed the British’s hopes: the 25-year-old saw Marshall standing too far in front of his target and swung the ball into the net in a high arc from a distance of more than 45 metres. It was the eighth goal for Schick in his recent eleven international appearances.
The Scots did not give up, but Vaiklick thwarted his return. At the latest when he defended his legs against Lyndon Dykes (66th), who appeared completely free in front of him, the goalkeeper, who hardly played at Sevilla FC, went on to become the second Czech match winner. Scotland threw everything forward in the end, but a check leg was always in the middle of the danger zone. (What)
