Euro 2020: Former Arsenal target Patrik Schick scores to dent Tierney’s Scotland

Euro 2020 is only in its infancy and already we’ve been treated to the goal of the tournament from former Arsenal target Patrik Schick, who broke records with a strike that dents Kieran Tierney’s chances of Scotland glory.

Fears over fatigue across all the players featuring in this summer’s European Championships have plenty of time to be realised, but as of yet there is nothing to worry about with the competition coughing up some spectacular goals and great games.

Amid all the wonder of three matches per day, Arsenal are out scouring the transfer market for goalkeepers and potential new playmakers. One of their former targets, however, has just proved why he was within the Gunners’ sights.

As Scotland prepared for their first match at a major competition for 23 years, the announcement pre-game of Kieran Tierney missing out of a place in the whole squad through injury dented their hopes. Such an influential figure in the side, his absence was keenly felt as the Scots were undone by two superb Patrik Schick goals.

Euro 2020: Former Arsenal target Patrik Schick scores stunning long range goal to dent Kieran Tierney’s Scotland hopes

Courted by Arsenal last summer when he was at Roma, the Czech striker first glanced an excellent header beyond David Marshall just before half-time to put the ‘away’ side in front.

Tierney-less Scotland attempted to rally in the second half and started strongly, only to be blown away by a divine piece of skill from the striker. Picking up the ball in his own half and seeing Marshall way off his line, the 25-year-old curled an utterly sublime effort round the goalkeeper from just inside the Scotland half.

From no less than 49.7 yards out, his effort is the furthest distance from which a goal has been scored since records began in 1980.

The technique on display was divine. Long-range efforts are always special, but to put as much curl and bend on the ball as he did to keep it out of Marshall’s reach was on another planet. It’s a goal to watch on repeat.

Crucially, however, that 2-0 win for the Czech Republic seriously dents Scotland’s hopes of getting out of their group. Arguably having the ‘easiest’ game of the group first, they must now head to Wembley on Friday and cause an upset or be forced into a position where a win over Croatia will be essential.

It’s a huge blow for Tierney who could only watch on from the sidelines, and now he is fighting to be fit to face England on matchday two.