The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Point takes young Scots top of group
EURO 2021: Gemmill’s side remain unbeaten to move above next oponents Greece
CZECH REPUBLIC U21 0 SCOTLAND U21 0
Scotland climbed to the top of their Euro 2021 qualifying group after holding the Czech Republic to a goalless draw at the Mestsky Fotbalovy Stadion Miroslava Valenty yesterday.
There were chances for both sides in an evenly-matched contest but no one could break the deadlock.
Scotland’s second successive Group 4 stalemate, following the 0-0 draw against Lithuania last week, sees them take over from Greece, who have played a game less, at the summit.
The draw also maintains Scotland’s unbeaten record in the group and gives them a good platform as they bid to qualify for the European Under-21 Championship for the first time since 1996.
Goalkeeper Robby Mccrorie replaced Ross Doohan and Aberdeen midfielder Lewis Ferguson made way for defender Patrick Reading as manager Scot Gemmill made two changes to the side held by Lithuania at Tynecastle.
The hosts looked lively in the early exchanges but could not find a way past Scotland’s resolute defence as Ondrej Sasinka and Dominik Janosek both had efforts repelled in the opening 20 minutes.
Billy Gilmour and Fraser Hornby had come closest for Scotland before captain Ross Mccrorie failed to find the target with his 33rd-minute effort.
The sides continued to cancel each other out as the first half wore on and went in level at the break.
Scotland pushed for the opener in the second half, with Hornby twice going close shortly after the hour mark, but he could not beat home goalkeeper Martin Jedlicka and both teams had to settle for a point.
Gemmill’s side return to action next month when they take on Greece.
Czech Republic: Jedlicka, Holik, Chalus, Plechaty, Granecny, Janosek, Sadilek, Vanicek (Bucha 63), Matousek (Havelka 70), Hlozek, Sasinka. Subs not used: Trmal, Lingr, Rusek, Kral, Klima, Smejkal, Daniel Soucek.
Scotland: Robby Mccrorie, Ross Mccrorie, Porteous, Johnston, Harvie, Gilmour, Middleton (Maguire 63), Campbell, Magennis, Hornby, Reading. Subs not used: Doohan, Smith, Mcintyre, Scott, Mclennan, Ferguson, Kelly, Henderson.