2019-21 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifier
Scotland 2-0 Czech Republic
Friday, 9 October 2020, KO 5:30pm
Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh
Scotland moved one point behind Czech Republic, with a game in hand, in their quest for European Championship qualification thanks to a memorable 2-0 victory at Tynecastle.
In what was a fiercely contested encounter, Scotland took the lead in the first half through Fraser Hornby and the scorer then turned the provider for the second goal. A clever back heel from Hornby allowed on form Aberdeen midfielder Ross McCrorie the chance to secure all three points.
As it happened
Following Lithuania’s 2-0 win over Greece yesterday, Scotland knew victory would put them in a promising position in the group, against a side they drew 0-0 against last year.
Harrison Ashby of West Ham United made his Scotland Under-21s debut at right back with Nathan Patterson making his second consecutive appearance, on the right wing.
After an edgy start to the game, Scotland went in front after 25 minutes through towering striker Fraser Hornby. After superb link up play with Nathan Patterson in the middle of the pitch, Hornby was able to expertly guide the ball in off the post.
The game was fast and furious in the midfield and with five minutes to go before full-time Hornby had another chance inside the box but saw the ball bounce wide of the target.
The start of the second half was also a tight affair and with Czech Republic gaining more possession on the ball, Scotland managed the game well with Lewis Mayo and Tom McIntyre combining well as a centre-half pairing, to keep the visitors at bay.
After 77 minutes Ross Doohan was called into a smart save, diving low to vitally block a fierce drive.
Scotland’s stiff defensive effort paid off when, with eight minutes remaining, Ross McCrorie secured the three points. A clever free-kick from Lewis Ferguson caught Czech Republic off guard and Fraser Hornby was able to flick the ball to McCrorie. He was able to smartly finish the ball into the net.
What next?
Scotland travel to San Marino for Tuesday night’s game against the side they beat 2-0 at home. In November they will round off their group with matches against Croatia and Greece.
Teams
Scotland: Doohan, Ashby (McLennan, 84), Harvie, Mayo, McIntyre, Campbell, Patterson (Maguire, 72), Hornby, Reading, Ferguson, McCrorie (C)
Unused substitutes: Wright, Morrison, Turnbull, Chalmers, McInroy, Kelly
Czech Republic: Jedlička, Zima, Plechatý, Sadílek (C), Bucha, Janošek, Krejčí, Hlavatý (Granecny, 80), Souček, Drchal (Rusek, 67), Vaníček (Matousek, 67)
Unused substitutes: Tmal, Kilma, Chalus, Havelka, Fortelny, Zitny