Scotland 0-2 Czech Republic: 5 talking points as Patrik Schick nets twice to spoils Scotland's homecoming party | UEFA Euro 2020

Czech Republic spoils Scotland's homecoming party
Czech Republic spoils Scotland's homecoming party

#3 Robertson delivers captain's performance

Robertson was Scotland's stand-out player
Robertson was Scotland's stand-out player

His first-half miss aside, Andrew Robertson had a stormer for Scotland and peeled his side off the ground in tense moments as a true captain. With the Czechs offering him acres of space to run into from the left, the Liverpool full-back utilized it to get the ball forward and lay off a few crosses.

His deliveries were top-notch, as we've come to expect from him. He could've scored a goal himself with a bit more precision after stealing in behind the Czech's defense. Robertson stole the show for Scotland with his creative brilliance and laid the most key passes of all the players on the field with six!

An inspiring performance.


#4 Both Scottish and Czech goalkeepers were class

Marshall has become an internet meme but his performance was good
Marshall has become an internet meme but his performance was good

With plenty of goal-mouth action unfolding at both ends, the goalkeepers of the day, David Marshall and Tomas Vaclik, were called into question several times. Both custodians rose to the challenge, pulling off several eye-catching saves in an interesting duel.

Vaclik was the busier of the two as Scotland constantly asked questions of the Czech defense. But the recently departed Sevilla goalkeeper produced strong hands each time, while the way he parried Kalas' clearance from going into their own net was pure class.

Marshall couldn't do anything about the two goals today, especially the second one. But to his credit, he made some late saves to keep the Czechs from extending their lead, particularly keeping out Michael Krmenick in a one-on-one with a strong pair of hands.


#5 Scotland missed Kieran Tierney

The Robertson-Tierney partnership perhaps could've made the difference for Scotland?
The Robertson-Tierney partnership perhaps could've made the difference for Scotland?

Scotland were dealt a blow even before stepping onto the pitch after Kieran Tierney was ruled out of the clash with a minor knock. Although he may return for the forthcoming game, his services were duly missed by the hosts, despite Robertson doing his best to fill in for the Arsenal youngster.

He's grown in stature with the side in recent months, while his partnership with his Liverpool counterpart on the left has blossomed into a deadly one too. But without him scampering up and down the field, Scotland missed the creative spark he normally brings and only relied on Robertson's brilliance for chances.

Once he's back, Steven Clarke's side could be more dangerous.

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