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Patrik Schick scored an incredible goal from close to the halfway line as the Czech Republic dealt Scotland a 2-0 defeat in their Euro 2020 opener.

The Bayer Leverkusen striker broke the deadlock with a fine header past David Marshall in the 42nd minute, before his unbelievable second-half strike gave his side some much-needed breathing space at Hampden Park.

Schick spotted Marshall off his line as he made his way into the Scotland half and bent the ball around and over the Scotland no.1
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Schick spotted Marshall off his line as he made his way into the Scotland half and bent the ball around and over the Scotland no.1Credit: GETTY
The goalkeeper was standing in a deep position and was forced to scramble backwards to try and keep his side in the game
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The goalkeeper was standing in a deep position and was forced to scramble backwards to try and keep his side in the gameCredit: GETTY
The striker stole the show on a disappointing day for the Scots, which was supposed to be a party as they returned to the national stage
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The striker stole the show on a disappointing day for the Scots, which was supposed to be a party as they returned to the national stageCredit: GETTY

Hopes for Scotland had been high going into their first major tournament since 1998.

They started brightly in front of 12,500 raucous fans at Hampden Park, and went close through Lyndon Dykes and Andy Robertson.

Dykes prodded a Robertson cross wide, before the Liverpool left-back had a side-footed effort saved by Czech Republic goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik.

But despite the Scotland pressure, it was the Czechs who took the lead when the impressive Schick headed in a cross from West Ham full-back Vladimir Coufal just before half-time.

Scotland boss Steve Clarke brought on Che Adams at half-time in an attempt to inject more urgency into his team’s attack.

However, the Scots could have found themselves 2-0 down within the first 70 seconds of the second half.

Schick had a powerful close-range shot saved by Marshall, before the goalkeeper was called upon seconds later to deny Vladimir Darida from close range.

Scotland fans were buzzing on their return to a major tournament and despite being only 12,000 strong sang like 'Yes Sir, I can Boogie' as it Hampden was full
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Scotland fans were buzzing on their return to a major tournament and despite being only 12,000 strong sang like 'Yes Sir, I can Boogie' as it Hampden was fullCredit: AFP
But it turned out to be a bad day for Steve Clarke's men, who have not scored in a major tournament since 1998
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But it turned out to be a bad day for Steve Clarke's men, who have not scored in a major tournament since 1998

It was then Scotland’s turn to attack as Jack Hendry hit the crossbar after looping the ball over Vaclik as they desperately searched for an equaliser.

And Scotland were desperately unlucky once more when Robertson’s inviting through ball was intercepted by Tomas Kalas and clawed away by Vaclik, who had Dykes breathing down his neck.

Then the moment of magic came from Schick to seal the win for the Czechs.

Hendry’s speculative shot was closed down by Tomas Soucek and the ball fell into the path of the 25-year-old, who hit it first time after he took a stride into the Scotland half.

The ball began outside the goal and curled round, over the head of a helpless Marshall in the Scotland goal.

It was an incredible strike and it's hard to imagine it will be bettered over the course of the competition.

Substitute James Forrest came close again as the clock ticked down. But instead of pulling one back, it was the Czechs who came close to adding another as Michael Krmencik saw a shot pushed away by Marshall.

The Scots knew they probably needed a win to stand a chance of a dream run to the knockout stages but a 2-0 defeat is a nightmare start for Clarke's side.

They now go to Wembley on Friday to face England, knowing they will have to get a result with Croatia to follow in Group D.

talkSPORT and talkSPORT 2 will have live commentary of EVERY game of Euro 2020. You won't miss a thing as we bring you round the clock coverage, reaction and analysis from June 11-July 11. Listen online HERE.

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