Patrik Schick screamer helps sink Scotland in Euro 2020 opener

Michael Graham
14 June 2021

Scotland suffered a disappointing return to tournament football thanks largely to a brilliant goal from Czech Republic ace Patrik Schick.

Scotland were unable to mark their return to tournament football with a win as Patrik Schick inspired the Czech Republic to a 2-0 win at Hampden Park.

The Scots were making their first appearance at a major tournament for 23 years, and they gave a fine account of themselves in front of a partisan home crowd.

However, while they were unable to convert any of their chances into goals, Schick was in ruthless form.

The Bayer Leverkusen star headed his side ahead from a corner just before half-time, but he was saving the real showstopper until after the break.

With the Scots pressing for an equaliser, Schick doubled his side's advanatge from just inside his own half to settle the contest in spectacular fashion.

Andy Robertson

You can read the full match report on our sister site Football365 here.

Stat of the day

According to OptaJoe, Patrik Schick's second goal (49.7 yards) is the furthest distance from which a goal has been scored on record at the European Championships (since 1980).

What's next for Scotland and Czech Republic?

For Scotland, it's the big one next: England at Wembley on Friday 18 June for an 20:00 BST kick-off.

It doesn't matter what happened against the Czech Republic or on any other day - if Scotland beat England at Wembley then all will be forgiven and these players will be heroes.

It is also probably, on paper at least, their toughest game of the group stage, so they will need to bounce back quickly from this disappointment.

As for the Czech Republic, they remain at Hampden Park top play Croatia. The Craotians lost their opener against England, so the Czech Republic know a win will put them into the next round, although it won't be easy.

That one kicks off at 17:00 BST on Friday 18 June.