Toulon Tournament 2017
Czech Republic 3-2 Scotland
Wednesday, 31 March 2017, kick-off 5pm
Stade d’Honneur, France

Chveja (35), Sasinka (41), Graiciar (60); Burke (2, 56 pen)

Czech Republic came from behind to inflict a 3-2 defeat on Scotland in the Group C opening match at this year’s Toulon Tournament.

Scotland were left disappointed after making a great start against a Czech Republic team heading for this summer’s UEFA European Under-19 Championship Finals.

St Mirren’s Kyle Magennis made his first international appearance at the 12-team invitational tournament in the south of France where temperatures hit 30 degrees.

Scot Gemmill handed RB Leipzig’s Oliver Burke the captain’s armband and he made an immediate impact as Scotland raced into an early lead.

The forward burst free of the Czech Republic defence before slotting the ball home as Scotland raced ahead in under 90 seconds.

Aberdeen’s Scott Wright was forced to withdraw after ten minutes through injury with Adam Frizell replacing him and the Kilmarnock youngster looked bright.

However, Czech Republic hit back shortly before half time as Scotland failed to clear their lines and they were in front one minute after the interval as Ondrej Sasinka slid in at the back post to knock a low cross beyond Jack Ruddy.

Burke scored his second of the match from the penalty spot after a handball inside the area but Czech Republic netted the winning goal four minutes later as Martin Graiciar fired beyond Ruddy.

Ryan Hardie almost grabbed a late equaliser for Scotland when he found space just inside the penalty area but goalkeeper Jan Plachy made an excellent save to deny the Rangers’ striker’s goal-bound effort.

Scotland play Brazil in their next group match and know a victory is required to have a realistic chance of advancing to the semi-finals.

SCOTLAND | Ruddy, Ralston, Taylor, Iacovitti, Jules, Burke (Cpt.) (Holsgrove 72), Magennis, Wright (Frizzell 10), Nesbitt (Wighton 76), Thomson (Hardie 61) Sammut.

Subs not used | Doohan (GK), McCart, Wilson, McCrorie.