The Czech Republic, which have participated in every European Championship final since breaking away from Slovakia (1993), lead the table in Group D after the first match day, thanks to a better goal difference, ahead of England in equal measure. with numbers. A goal from Raheem Sterling (57th) helped the “Three Lions” win 1-0 (0-0) against vice world champions Croatia on Sunday.
Both the Croatian and the Scots, who are in EM for the first time in 25 years and look to make the knockout rounds at the eleventh attempt (two EM finals so far, eight World Cup finals), are already under pressure. Second group game. Zlatko Dalic will be selected for the Czech Republic on Friday (6 pm), while Scotland will face England at Schlager (9 pm, live on ORF1).
Scots rely on proven forces
The bulkheads ran in the normal 3-5-2 system. Grant Hanley and John McGinn, who scored 2–2 in World Cup qualifying against Austria, were there from the start. Liverpool star and captain Andy Robertson started off on the left. Kieran Tierney did not fit on time and was absent. Scotland team boss Steve Clarke said the Arsenal player suffered a setback in training but was confident the defender would be ready to face England.
In the Czech Republic, West Ham’s Tomas Soucek and Spartak Moscow’s Alex Kral should build the game from behind in the defensive midfield and turn their backs on Hertha BSC director and captain Vladimir Darida. Julian Baumgartlinger’s Leverkusen teammate Schick was the leader. The Czech league’s shooter king, Adam Holoczek, as well as the Polish top league’s top scorer, Tomas Pekhart, initially only sat on the bench.
Live debut in front of 13,000 spectators
The Scots had big plans for their first European Championship match since 1996, and the 13,000 spectators at Hampden Park in Glasgow had a great start to the game. It was a dangerous first in the eighth minute when a shot from Aston Villa midfield star McGuin was blocked after a mistake by Tomas Kalas.
Vaiklick crossed skillfully
After Christie takes possession of the ball, Robertson attacks from the left. However, the check fails due to goalkeeper Vaiklick, who skillfully throws his hand in the air at the crucial moment.
The Aston Villa man was also the focus of the first big Czech opportunity when he let Jacob Jankto steal the ball. Sampdoria Legionnaires served up Schick, whose volley clearance David Marshall was able to clear for just one corner (16.). The Scots were not impressed by this, which, in turn, was practically a reflection of the first Czech opportunity. Lyndon Dykes’ effort landed from the left post (18th) after Robertson’s pass.
Robertson Fails, Gets the Schick
After about 25 minutes, the Scottish attacking game had lost some of its momentum. The Czechs got better access to the game, but were not able to set the offensive tone. The home side withdrew a bit as things turned fast, but it was extremely dangerous. In the 32nd minute, after a throw-in by the Czech and a positional error, Robertson appeared to the left and checked the Czech goalkeeper Tomas Váklik, who fired a quick shot with his fingers over the bar.
Skick scores 1-0 with a head
Right-back Vladimir Kaufal crosses after a corner, Schick climbs up between the two bulkheads and goes inside.
A carelessness made shortly before the break deprived the Scots of the strong fruit of the first half. The previous team could not break free after a corner kick. The ball went to Vladimir Kaufal on the right, who was able to cross in the middle, where Schick won a dogfight against the two Scots and hit the net with his head to lead the Czech (42.). It was also in the cabins after 45 minutes, with the guests 1-0.
Schick destroys Scottish hopes
Immediately after the change of side it was running happily. First, Schick tested Marshall with a shot into a near corner, but the Scotland goalkeeper was attentive (47th). Wacklick, on the other hand, could not clear a cross high enough, defender Jack Hendry tried from the edge of the penalty area, but his lifter landed on the crossbar (48th). Kalas tried to clear a through pass shortly after, but was nearly run out by Vaiklick, who was able to clear it running back (49th).
Scotland sniffed the equalizer, but were punished again. A blocked shot by Hendry landed on Schick, who took heart over the center line and deceived Marshall, who was in front of his goal with a perfect lifter (52nd). According to UEFA measurements, the 25-year-old Leverkusen goaltender hit from exactly 49.7 metres, clearly surpassing the old German Torsten Fringe (38.6 metres) record at the 2004 European Championships.
Vaclik Keeps Boxes Clean
Motivated by their own fans, Scotland tried everything again and continued to fire the Czech goal, but the wave of Scottish attack was not rewarded, especially since Wacklick found himself in the middle of the check post. carried forward. A double chance from Dykes and McGuin destroyed the Sevilla goalkeeper with a brilliant save (57.), a violent shot by Stuart Armstrong defused defender Kalas (61.). In substitute attempts by Kevin Nisbet (82nd) and James Forrest (84th), Vklik remained the winner and eventually became the second Czech match winner.
sounds for game
Jaroslav Silhavi (Czech Team Principal): “The deciding factor was that we survived the opening pressure from Scotland well. Then we worked our way into the game and scored the opening goal. Patrick Schick’s second goal calmed us down, then we did our job Done. We also have to say thank you to Tomas Vaiklik, his performance was simply outstanding.”
steve clark (Scotland Team Principal): “It was a great learning experience. We didn’t come here to study, but it’s part of the business. And you have to take advantage of your opportunities if you get them. Schick’s second goal It was a great shot, everything went well for him.”
Andy Robertson (Scotland captain): “Everyone in the country wanted to see a good start. We were confident, excited, and in the end it all boils down to not taking our chances. We had really, very good opportunities which we would have used better. If we do better then it’s a different game. It’s a hard lesson for us at the highest level, in the best tournaments. You have to use your chance. The Czech Republic did. “
Patrick Schick (Czech double goalscorer): “It’s always difficult to play against us. We have very hardworking players. Scotland were tough opponents, but we were prepared for their strategy.” On his second goal: “I saw in the first half that such a situation could come. I saw where he was. “
EM 2021, Group D, Day 1
Monday:
Scotland – Czech Republic 0: 2 (0: 1)
Glasgow, Hampden Park, 12,000, SR Siebert (GER)
tore off:
0:1 lesson (42.)
0:2 sik (52.)
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./Hols), Sousek – Masopst (72./Vydra), Darida (87./Sevik), Janko (72./Hlozek) – Schick (87./Kramensik) ) )
Yellow Card: none
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