UEFA Under-17 Championship Elite Round
Scotland 2-2 Czech Republic 
The Falkirk Stadium
Wednesday, 23 March, 12pm

Scotland's Under-17s kicked off their Elite Round with a creditable 2-2 draw against Czech Republic in Falkirk.

Rory Wilson scored a second-half brace to complete the comeback from a two-goal half-time deficit, netting the equaliser deep into added time.

An even opening period was illuminated by moments of skill from wingers on both sides. In the first five minutes Scotland keeper Jacob Pazikas was relieved to see Michal Málek’s driven effort from inside the box come back off the post.

On the other side, Ben Doak caught the eye with the first of many first half driving runs into the Czech penalty area. His first drew faint claims for a penalty before he forced a good save from the Czech keeper with a low drive.

After Scotland had enjoyed their best spell of the game, creating set piece opportunities from a corner and free-kicks in the final third, it was the Czechs that opened the scoring on 40 minutes.

Czech midfielder Roman Horák collected the ball inside his own half, shrugged off Scottish challenges before playing a well-weighted pass into the path of left-back Miloš Pudil, who cut inside and finished in the bottom-right corner.

The Czechs would add their second three minutes later as centre-back Jan Paluska met Michal Málek’s corner at the back post, heading home emphatically.

The Czechs would take the two-goal lead into half-time.

Scotland started the second half promisingly, with Wilson having his first sight of goal within two minutes of the restart, bringing a good save from the Czech keeper.

With 20 minutes to play, Scotland brought themselves back into the game with a goal. Doak again showed desire to get on the ball, dropping deep into his own half to collect the ball from a quick throw from the Scotland keeper. Despite pressure from Czech midfielders, he used his first touch and pace to turn upfield and drive into space before slipping it into the path of Wilson. He only needed one touch to take the ball past the keeper before finishing by two defenders covering on the line.

Amid a flurry of late substitutions, it appeared Scotland’s chance to level the game had passed. It was deep into the four minutes of stoppage time that Scotland crafted their best attacking move of the game. Again, Doak was pivotal, driving through the middle before slipping the ball to Dylan Reid in the right channel.

Reid showed great awareness to square the ball to Wilson who finished accurately, sparking wild celebrations on the pitch and in the stands.

Next up for the Scots is the visit of Germany to the Falkirk Stadium on Saturday 26 March (12pm kick off).

Scotland: Pazikas, Mackenzie, Allen (Harvey, 64), Mcarthur, Rice, Doak, Miller (Lobban, 71), Wilson, Reid (Bruce, 90), Kingdon, Jackson.

Unused subs: Mahady (GK), Bavidge, Laidlaw, Cooper, Emslie.

Czech Republic: Remiáš, Žitný, Pudil, Planka (Zachoval, 80), Paluska, Hunál, Málek (Stryk, 80), Rožánek (Rus, 66), Pudil (Remiáš, 88), Gaszczyk, Horák (Uriča, 88).

Unused subs: Baier (GK), Hašek, Táborský, Novák.