A warning shot of what was to come.Ĭlarke's side roared back with courage and belief befitting a team who had held their nerve in two shootouts to get here. David Marshall was forced into an early save. John McGinn's early snapshot triggered a roar from the crowd, every booming run and cross from Andy Robertson had the crowd on their feet.īut, slowly, as the Scots were forced back, the nervousness and Czech confidence grew. There are some things some Euro 2020 branding just cannot hide.įrom videos of the team bus arriving, to the news that Kieran Tierney was out injured, nerves were jangling everywhere.Ī blistering start from the Scots served to steady the ship amid a cacophony that defied the quarter-full national stadium. While the revelry in the build-up lasted for hours as supporters trickled into Hampden, a nervous tension was palpable throughout the place. For those in their early 20s and younger, the sight of Scotland on a stage such as this was embraced for the first time. It was a day a generation of fans thought they would never see again. 'Questions for Clarke as bitter reality hits'.'Painfully familiar, as Scots suffer again'.Scotland now go to Wembley on Friday with a heightened need for a positive result against a buoyant England, before their group campaign comes to a close against Croatia in Glasgow four days later. Sat just in front of the Czechs' back four, providing a vital defensive shield throughout the game.Around 9,000 fans witnessed the Scots strike the bar amid a glut of chances, but a first foray beyond the group stage already looks a tough ask.
Tomas Soucek - 6Īs West Ham fans can relate, the midfielder was vital for his side when both defending and attacking set plays, as well as when breaking up any number of Scotland attacks. Jakub Jankto - 6Ī quiet game from the Sampdoria midfielder, who was subbed as a result on 72 minutes. Lukas Masopust - 7Īppeared to use a hand to prevent McGinn's first-half shot from testing Marshall, although it would have been a harsh penalty, before being replaced with 18 minutes to go. The Czech skipper was denied by an excellent Marshall stop at the start of the second half, before being hooked late on. Was not penalised despite seeming to block McTominay off in the box just before half-time, almost adding a third goal with a shot that curled just over and also blazed over late on. Important early block to prevent McGinn from opening the scoring, before almost netting a spectacular own goal at start of the second half. The West Ham right-back set up the visitors' opener with an inch-perfect cross from the flank. Ondrej Celustka - 6Ī vital late block prevented substitute Forrest from pulling a goal back for the Scots. However, the 'keeper also had to be alert to twice deny Dykes in quick succession just past the hour-mark. Great first-half tip over to deny Robertson, before a brilliant stretch prevented a Kalas own goal just before Schick's stunning second.
However, the Celtic midfielder was replaced at the break. Showed some wonderful quick feet on the right side of the box to escape a couple of Czech defenders, before a nice lay-off put Robertson in for a shot on goal before half-time. Went close with a stabbed effort just past the quarter-hour mark, before twice being denied by Vaclik, first a close-range block on 62 minutes and then by the Czech No 1's outstretched boot minutes later. Stuart Armstrong - 7 Some bits of lovely interplay with Robertson down the left in the first half, while his goalbound effort was deflected over by Tomas Kalas, before being subbed midway through the first half. Saw an early goalbound shot blocked and was lively throughout the first period, only to wane as Scotland chased the game.
Image: Scotland's John McGinn gets a shot away
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