Scotland 0-2 Czech Republic: Three Things We Learned

Euro 2020 is really starting to get into a whole other gear with the first round of group stage games almost coming to an end. Many nations have already been able to puff out their chest and show us what they’re made of, and during the 2pm kickoff yesterday, Scotland and Czech Republic joined those ranks with an intriguing clash at Hampden Park.

The Czechs were the ones who managed to secure all three points, but there’s a whole lot more to the story than that.

Unfortunate Scots

Andy Robertson’s well-saved effort, hitting the bar and a parade of other chances represented just how unlucky Scotland were in this game. Sure, their finishing should’ve been a whole lot better than it was, but it’s difficult not to feel for them just a little bit given how good they looked during spells of this game. They need to get their finishing right in training before the England clash but either way, they’re a pretty good side.

Schick impresses

Patrik Schick scored the opening goal of the game just before half time with a nice header, but his real headline-making moment came in the second half. After Scotland began the restart like a house on fire, Schick found himself just over the halfway line with the keeper out of position. He spotted an opportunity and seized it with an utterly remarkable long-distance strike that gave the Czechs a 2-0 lead and, eventually, a win that many were doubting they’d be able to get.

Wide-open Group D

England looked decent but not great, Croatia looked lethargic but still have talent in their squad, Czech Republic are the surprise package at the top of the table and Scotland looked good in defeat. Group D is as wide open as it gets and while this may sound silly, we think there’s a chance all four nations could be on three points when the second round of fixtures have come to a close. As a result, we’re pretty excited to see these four countries compete again as the rollercoaster ride that is Euro 2020 continues to impress and amaze us all.

Match Report

Scotland: Marshall (7), Cooper (6.5), Hanley (7), Hendry (6), Robertson (7.5), Armstrong (6), McTominay (6.5), McGinn (6.5), O’Donnell (6.5), Dykes (5.5), Christie (6.5), Nisbet (6.5), Adams (6.5), Fraser (6), Forrest (6.5), McGregor (6)

Czech Republic: Vaclik (7.5), Coufal (7.5), Celustka (7.5), Kalas (7), Boril (7), Kral (7), Soucek (7.5), Masopust (7), Darida (7), Jankto (7), Schick (9), Hlozek (6.5), Sevcik (6), Holes (6.5), Krmencik (6), Vydra (6.5)

Referee: Daniel Siebert

Goals: Schick x2

Yellow Cards: N/A

Red Cards: N/A