Will this result bring more changes both in system and personnel?Īdams, Ryan Fraser and James Forrest brought a dynamism that was missing before half-time.

The introduction of Adams made a colossal difference, and he is surely in line to start on Friday. Scotland's midfield was nullified, Dykes struggled to hold the ball up while, barring a small handful of forays by Robertson, there was a distinct lack of width from the Scots. Of all the selection conundrums, his involvement was not even considered in doubt.Ĭlarke was undoubtedly made to change things and for spells, the Czechs bossed the game.

Undoubtedly, the news of Tierney's 'niggle' and subsequent absence had a huge impact. A new feeling of angst is just settling in. An Armstrong effort looped just over, while Dykes twice went close. The hosts came again and again in the search of a lifeline. Hampden was so silent the noise of the ball hitting the net could be heard. The ball broke to Schick on the halfway line, and the Bayer Leverkusen man did not even look up as his astonishing arching shot arrowed over Marshall. Hendry's attempted drive was charged down with Scotland exposed badly. If only Marshall could have done likewise three minutes later. They did so again as a misplaced Tomas Kalas clearance looped over Vaclik, who just recovered to clear. A floated effort from Jack Hendry hit the top of the bar as Hampden gasped. Vladimir Coufal overlapped with space and time on his side, his delivery being met by Schick, who steered his header home while sandwiched between Liam Cooper and Grant Hanley.Ĭhe Adams was introduced at half-time and he made a difference, but not before Marshall twice saved Scotland just seconds after the restart. A corner was just about cleared, only for the Scots to switch off. Robertson again owned the left with a run and cross Dykes should have done better with a first-time effort and Robertson was denied by the fingertips of Tomas Vaclik, triggering thunder in the stands.īut as the game looked destined for a stalemate at half-time, the hammer blow arrived. 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. 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.

Patrick schick goal scotland