Nightmare for Marshall as Scots lose in opener
RAMS KEEPER BEATEN FROM HALFWAY AS CZECH STAR SPOTS HIM OFF HIS LINE
DERBY County goalkeeper David Marshall was beaten twice as Scotland lost their opening fixture in the European Championship finals.
Patrik Schick scored both goals for Czech Republic as they defeated Scotland 2-0 at Hampden Park.
Schick found the net three minutes before the break when his fine header sent the ball arcing away from Marshall.
Marshall’s sharp save had denied Jakub Jankto early on and the keeper then made two good stops early in the second half but he had to pick the ball out of his net again after 52 minutes.
The Czech Republic blocked an attempted shot by Scotland defender Jack Hendry, broke clear and, with Marshall off his line and desperately back-pedalling, Schick claimed the ball and produced an exquisite chip to double his side’s lead.
Marshall will be disappointed to be beaten in such a manner and from such a distance – 49.7 yards according to the stats – but the finish was world class, a goal of vision and skill.
The BBC’S match pundits defended Marshall.
Former Manchester United and Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher said: “That’s an unbelievable finish. It looks easy but that’s an unbelievable execution from a top striker.”
Norwich City and Scotland midfielder Kenny Mclean added: “Jack (Hendry) stepped in and he’s taken on the shot
“I’m sure he regrets that now. Stephen O’donnell was wide and it’s a simple pass. It’s a world-class finish, though.”
Shelley Kerr, a former Scotland international player who is the English Football Association’s technical lead for women’s national teams, said: “I think Jack Hendry needs to do better there.
“You can maybe question if Marshall is too far out and needs to retreat quicker but you go back to Jack Hendry.
“Yes he hit the bar earlier in the half but he needs to play the pass. You look at the result and it’s a brilliant finish but from our side, Jack Hendry, just slip the ball to the right and don’t take the shot on.”
Scotland’s next game is against England at Wembley on Friday before they face Croatia at Hampden on Tuesday, June 22.
Schick revealed he had planned his wonder goal in the first half after spotting Marshall had come off his line previously.
The Bayer Leverkusen striker chipped Marshall from 50 yards when he broke after Jack Hendry’s shot was blocked.
He told the BBC: “Yeah, I saw him (off his line). I checked in the first half when this situation would come. I knew he was staying very high and when the ball came I checked where he was standing.
“The first game is really important and we are so happy we have won the game.
“It’s always hard to play against us because we have a lot of hard-working players. Scotland were a tough opponent and we were ready for their tactics.”