Czech Republic 1 Scotland 2: David Marshall heroics and woodwork to rescue in Nations League victory
Lyndon Dykes scored his first international goal while Ryan Christie made it two penalties in two matches as Scotland clung on for an uncomfortable victory against a makeshift Czech Republic side in Olomouc this evening.
Steve Clarke’s plans were thrown into disarray late on Friday night when the Czech FA declared the fixture had been called off amid a coronavirus threat, however UEFA intervened and the match went ahead as planned.
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Hide AdAll the Czech players and coaching staff involved in the 3-1 win over Slovakia on Friday, including manager Jaroslav Silhavy, were banned from participating in tonight’s Group B2 match, leaving the hosts to gather a hastily assembled reserve squad, featuring just two previously capped players.
However, Scotland struggled to victory, coming from behind after conceding to Jakub Pešek in the 11th minute, and relying on David Marshall heroics, and the woodwork twice, denying the hosts a deserved equaliser.
Czech Republic v Scotland
Match night
Good afternoon folks. It was on, then off, then back on again, but barring any more unexpected twists, Czech Republic v Scotland will be kicking off in Olomouc at 7.45pm this evening. We’ll have all the action, comment, analysis and reaction right here in our live blog.
Squad update
No injuries were sustained in the 1-1 draw with Israel at Hampden on Friday night so Steve Clarke has a full strength side to choose from.
Team news - five changes
Scotland make five changes from the side that drew with Israel. Out go Callum McGregor, John McGinn, James Forrest, Kieran Tierney and Ryan Jack replaced by John Fleck, Liam Cooper, Stuart Armstrong, Kenny McLean and Liam Palmer.
Czech team news
Nine of the 11 Czech starters will earn their maiden cap tonight. Roman Hubník of Sigma Olomouc - last capped in 2016 - is the captain.
Clarke explains changes
Steve Clarke has been explaining his five changes on Sky Sports.
The thinking behind the changes is what I spoke about previously. The stage of the season, where the squad is at, freshen up the midfield with one or two different boys and give them a chance. It's a team we think can win the game. If everyone looks closely at the personnel on the pitch we can play both, we can play with a back four, or with a back three. It gives us flexibility at any time within the game.
Teams out
The national anthems are underway at the empty Andruv Stadion in Olomouc. How will Steve Clarke’s much-changed Scotland side fare against the all-together different Czechs? We’re about to find out …
Match underway
Scotland get the game underway lining up in the same formation from Friday’s draw with Israel with Man Utd midfielder Scott McTominay again deployed on the right of the back three.
Scotland have looked pensive in the opening minutes, with the Czechs looking far from ramshackle as they push forward with purpose down the left to earn the game’s first corner after eight minutes, which was overhit to let Scotland off the hook
GOAL! The nightmare start
Kenny McLean gives possession away in midfield and with the Scotland defence caught square, Pesek runs onto a through ball to slot past David Marshall. 11 minutes on the clock and Scotland are behind to a makeshift Czech team. Could we be sinking to a new low tonight?