Scotland
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Proud nations Scotland and Czech Republic clash in tightly contested Group D
Scotland 1-1 Czech Republic
Scotland is a proud nation in many aspects and often believe that they deserve better from the football teams that they have had over the years.
Whole careers have passed, however, since Scotland were last present at a major tournament, Euro 1996. The championships in 1992 was their only other entrance to the competition, and both times they have failed to make it out of the group stage, winning two of their six games combined.
This time, they have a young, exciting squad and will be hoping to progress from the group.
On the other hand, the Czech Republic are old hands at this level. This will be their 10th championships, reaching the knockout rounds on six of those occasions and winning back in 1976.
Like Scotland, they have a good group of players and, although finishing in the top two of the group is questionable, they will be looking to grab a third spot.
World Ranking: 44
Best Historical Finish at the Euros: Group Stage, 1992/1996
Predicted Finish This Year: Group Stage
Reasons to be cheerful:
Good group of players with top level club experience
Playing at home will give them a huge boost
Reasons to be fearful:
The Czech’s are vastly more experienced at this level
Won only two of their last six matches
Scotland’s dreams came true 18 months or so ago when they won their play-off game, gaining passage through to their first major tournament in 25 years.
Now ranked 44 in the world, it’s incredible that they were ranked as high as 13 back in 2007, but never managed to qualify for either the Euros or the World Cup.
They have some good players this time, too, many of whom experienced at Premier League level. Defenders Tierney and Robertson are two of the best in their position at Arsenal and Liverpool, McTominay plays for Manchester United while Che Adams leads the line for Southampton these days.
It’s an attacking looking team, though they would do well not to underestimate their opponents here.
Star Man – Che Adams
Only has four appearances for the Scots, but after an impressive season for Southampton, will lead the line with confidence here.
World Ranking: 40
Best Historical Finish at the Euros: Winners, 1976
Predicted Finish This Year: Round of 16
Reasons to be cheerful:
Have excellent know-how at this level
Likes of Coufal and Soucek experienced at top level
Reasons to be fearful:
Cannot afford to slip up here with tougher matches to come
Playing away to Scotland will be a challenge
Czech Republic are a team who you don’t quite know what to expect this summer.
They have reached the knockout phase more often than not over their appearances at the championships, but went out at the group stage back in 2016.
Their form has been mixed of late too, losing to Italy 4-0 in a pre-tournament friendly a week ago. However, they have drawn with World Number 1 team Belgium recently, and boast several experienced players in their ranks.
Vladimar Coufal and Tomas Soucek have both enjoyed fine seasons in the Premier League for West Ham and Tomas Kalas is a former Chelsea player.
A lack of goals up front may be their undoing, however, with striker Schick scoring just 13 times in the German league this season.
Star Man – Tomas Soucek
Is a warrior of a footballer, and popped up with some important goals for West Ham over the last season.
Home advantage will boost Scotland
Could be a cagey affair
Tough to pick a winner
With neither side likely to finish top of the group, Scotland and the Czech Republic will want to play it cautious in order to not lose the game.
A point at this stage could be valuable for both sides, and ensure they stay on track with two games to go.
Either side could steal three points, especially Scotland playing at home in their first tournament for 25 years, but a draw seems more likely.
Scotland 1-1 Czech Republic
