Scotland struggle to 2-1 win over depleted Czech Republic side

Scotland have beaten Czech Republic 2-1 in their Nations League match in Olomouc but struggled against a team almost entirely made up of uncapped players.

A coronavirus outbreak had seen the Czechs initially cancel the game but then agree to fulfil the fixture with a entirely new squad of players.

Only two of the players who took to the field had any international experience and Steve Clarke had said his Scotland team shouldn’t be afraid of being heavy favourites to win.

However, the visitors looked nervous from the start and it was the hastily-assembled Czech sides who took a shock lead.

Jakub Pesek broke through the Scots’ back line, sneaking behind Scott McTominay before firing past David Marshall.

Scotland were rocked but clawed their way back and got level just before the half hour mark. Lyndon Dykes, earning his second cap days after his debut against Israel, pounced on a low cross from Liam Palmer and scored.

The Czechs threatened again, Adam Janos testing David Marshall from distance before half-time. After the break, Scotland got their second.

Andy Robertson burst into the box but was fouled by Tomas Malinskey and Ryan Christie steped up to nail his second penalty in two games.

The danger wasn’t over and the Czechs continued to press, missing good chances and pinning Scotland back to make for a nervy finish as they hit the post twice but couldn’t find the goal they needed.

Scotland move to the top of the group on four points from two matches.