Scotland boosted their chance of reaching next year's World Cup in Russia as they beat the 10-man Czech Republic team on Thursday night at Hampden Park, according to the Telegraph. Scotland had to rely on Martin Skrtel's own goal to seal the win at home. It was Scotland striker Chris Martin that put Skrtel under pressure as the center back turned the ball into his own net. However, Scotland had promising chances in front of goal in the first half when Chris Martin and Leigh Griffiths struck the ball off the woodwork. Afterward, Czech goalkeeper Martin Dubravka made a brilliant save when he obstructed Christopher Berra's shot and kept James Morrison and Leigh Griffiths from scoring, though he conceded a stoppage-time own goal from Martin Skrtel.
The victory moved Scotland up to second in Group F with seventeen points, while the Czech Republic is third with 15 points.
Scotland outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Craig Gordon (6.77). Defender - Kieran Tierney (7.18), Christopher Berra (7.30), Charlie Mulgrew (6.52), Andrew Robertson (7.38). Midfielder - Darren Fletcher (6.75), James Morrison (7.22), Barry Bannan (6.39). Forward - James Forrest (6.49), Leigh Griffiths (7.64), Matt Phillips (6.51). Used substitutes - Ikechi Anya (six points), James McArthur (six points), Chris Martin (6.52).
Team's strength and weakness: Gordon Strachan's side created goal-scoring chances through individual efforts and long shots.
They were weak at scoring and gave away lots of free-kicks within their half.
Style of play: Scotland played with width, attacked through the middle, favored short passes and through balls.
Czech Republic outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Martin Dubravka (7.53). Defender - Peter Pekarík (seven points), Jan Durica (6.57), Martin Skrtel (7.40), Tomas Hubocan (6.92).
Midfielder - Juraj Kucka (6.87), Marek Hamsik (6.65), Jan Gregus (7.21), Stanislav Lobotka (7.93), Robert Mak (five points). Forward - Adam Nemec (6.70). Used substitutes - Vladimir Weiss (5.86), Norbert Gyömbér (5.78), Ondrej Duda (six points).
Team's strength and weakness: Czech created few chances in front of goal through set pieces and short passes.
However, they committed individual fumbles and aggressive in their tackles.
Style of play: Jan Kozak's side was more defensive and largely operated through the flanks.
Upcoming Matches in Group F
Scotland will face Slovenia on the road on Sunday 8 October, while the Czech Republic welcomes group minnows Malta the same day.
