Czech Republic went down fighting to Scotland in their UEFA Nations League encounter last week. The Czechs lost the match by a margin of 2 goals to 1. Though disappointing, the result does not come as a shock as the Czech side was playing with most of their regular players missing the match due to fears of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Initially, the Czech country’s football federation had called off the match after the League opener earlier in the month. Once it was confirmed that a staff member and a player of the squad had infected the virus, the FACR had announced that the match with Scotland will not go on as scheduled. It was only after deliberations with UEFA officials that the Czech Republic agreed to play the match.
Playing at home, the Czechs brought together a second-string side consisting largely of newcomers. Even the coach was from the under-18 team. The newly assembled side was completely different from the one that earlier got the better of Slovakia in the championship opener. There were 9 debutantes in the playing 11. Only 2 players, one with 29 caps and the other with 5 appearances were the only experienced members of the playing 11.
Jakub Pesek put the hosts in the lead early in the match. This was, however, short-lived as Scotland soon equalized. The issue was finally settled in the 2nd half when Ryan Christie netted a penalty. This was the Czech Republic’s second match in the League. They beat Slovakia 3-1 in their first outing. Israel is the next opponent for them. They would be hoping to get the main side in place before that match next month.
The Czechs are currently second in their group with 3 points behind Scotland. Each team has played 2 matches so far.