FANS’ VIEW

Throughout its history, Scotland’s national team has specialised in tortured, elongated failure. The gradual accumulation of optimism rising to a crescendo of possibility, only finally to be drowned out by the clank of hard reality.

The closer the team flies to the sun, the further the fall when the heat of major competition melts the wax holding their wings together.

And so it is perhaps a blessing in disguise that the fatal blow in this crucial match was delivered at such terrific speed one could hardly help but laugh.

Six and a half seconds. That is all it took to cement Scotland to the bottom of the group

– the time between Jack Hendry firing off a speculative shot at one end, and the ball dropping agonisingly into the net at the other.

One moment the defender entertained visions of drilling Scotland level and kicking off a spectacular push for qualification; six and a half seconds later the shell-shocked Scots were 2-0 down, their high hopes of progression snagged in a bruised, ungainly heap like the floundering David Marshall.

For a side with no prior experience of tournament football, it was a swift and brutal lesson that it is not a place where liberties can be taken.

Scotland were at least a match for the Czechs and had most of the game’s best chances – the somewhat nebulous “expected goals” statistic had them streets ahead – but when big moments were presented, the visitors leapt to grasp them while the hosts played it too safe.

It will certainly be a missed opportunity if, given two home matches, Scotland do not earn the maiden tournament knockout berth of which they are clearly capable.

But by even being here, and allowing the nation to enjoy this day, much has already been gained.