Patrik Schick’s brace, including long-range stunner, sinks Scotland at Euro 2020

Gulf Today Report

Czech Republic's Patrik Schick netted brace including a stunning effort from near the halfway line as Czech Republic blanked Scotland 2-0 on Monday in their Group D opener at Euro 2020.

He scored one of the most remarkable goals in European Championship history to give Czech Republic a flying start and shatter the Scotland hopes in Glasgow.

The Bayer Leverkusen forward put Czechs ahead with an excellent header in the first half, doubled his tally after the break with a curling, looping effort from just inside the Scotland half, having spotted home keeper David Marshall far off his line.

At 49.7 yards, Schick’s astonishing effort was officially the furthest recorded distance from which a goal has been scored at the European Championship.

Patrik Schick scores on a header in Glasgow. AP

After a 23-year wait to qualify for a major tournament, Scotland's hopes of making more history by getting out of the group for the first time now look slim.

Steve Clarke's men face England next on Friday at Wembley before hosting World Cup finalists Croatia at Hampden on June 22.

Playing in front of fans at Hampden for the first time since November 2019 with 12,000 in attendance, Scotland made a nervous start.