Bilek bigs up Scotland’s Euro 2020 chances

Michal Bilek’s Kazakhstan side inflicted heavy damage on Scotland’s Euro 2020 qualification chances earlier this year, but he believes they can still get to the finals.

The Scots began their Group I campaign with a shock 3-0 defeat in NurSultan in March, with Alex McLeish being replaced by Steve Clarke as boss soon after the expected win in San Marino days later.

Scotland moved into third place, behind Belgium and Russia, with a 2-1 win over Cyprus in Nicosia on Saturday night and are two points ahead of Kazakhstan ahead of their final qualifying fixture at Hampden tonight.

While Clarke’s side cannot qualify for the finals through the conventional method, they have a chance in the Nations League play-offs which take place in March, and it is an opportunity that Bilek reckons they can grasp.

Speaking at Hampden Park, the former Czech Republic coach said: “In my eyes Scotland is a very good team, with very good players and good heart.

“Of course we believe Scotland have a chance to play further and qualify to Euro 2020.

“In the first match we played really well and were ahead from the 10th minute. We probably played our best match so far against Scotland.

“However, (Tuesday) is a new match, it is new history to write and I believe my players will give it all on the pitch.

“We know who is the favourites but we will try to play a good game.

“It is a pleasure for us that we can still compete for the third place. We want to be successful and get our points.

“Every new game brings new challenges and every game is different.”

Yuriy Pertsukh scored the opener in the 3-0 win in March but expects a different game this time.

The Astana midfielder said: “We are playing a different team and it will be a difficult game for us.

“The first game was in Kazakhstan. That was the main difference, and the acclimatisation and flights might have influenced Scotland.

“Now we are playing away in front of Scottish supporters so it is going to be tough for us, although we hope we have some supporters here.

“But we will be trying our best to get third.”

Michal Bilek