The Czech Republic have won their opening game at the European Football Championship, beating Scotland 2:0 at Hampden Park in Glasgow.
Both of the Czechs’ goals came from striker Patrik Schick, with the second a spectacular long-range effort from just past the halfway line.
UEFA said it was the longest distance for a goal in the tournament at 49.7 meters. The previous record of 38.6 meters came from Germany midfielder Torsten Frings at Euro 2004.
The Czech Republic took the lead in Group D with three points and spoiled the party for Scotland, which was returning to a major men’s soccer tournament for the first time since the 1998 World Cup.
Scotland started well, getting the ball up the field into crossing positions. Midfielder John McGinn had a good chance to score in the sixth minute, but his effort was deflected out for a corner.
The Czechs started gaining a foothold as the first half wore on, with Schick forcing a save in the 16th with a near-post effort that was palmed away by Marshall.
England, meanwhile, are second after beating Croatia 1-0 at Wembley on Sunday thanks to a second-half Raheem Sterling goal.
The Three Lions are next up for Scotland in a huge derby on Friday, a game the Scots will feel they must win ahead of their final group game against Croatia.
The key moment
Without a doubt, it has to be Schick’s 50-yard stunner that doubled Czech Republic’s lead.
Let’s be honest, it could be the moment of the tournament. It was the sort of moment to set a game alight. Schick has now announced himself on the European stage.
Player of the match
Again, it has to be Schick.
His first two goals at a major tournament have been critical in giving the Czech Republic a significant chance of progressing to the Round of 16.
It was Schick’s second goal of the game, and stunned the crowd at Hampden Park who had hoped to see Scotland get a good result in their first major tournament match for 23 years.
This angle of Schick’s goal is mad.. 🤯
pic.twitter.com/TXbUa70Nb3— 𝙊𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙧 🇸🇪 (@UtdOscarinho) June 14, 2021
