The Czech Republic’s Patrik Schick scored one of the most remarkable goals in European Championship history, as his side beat Scotland 2-0 on Monday to get their Euro 2020 campaign off to a superb start and deflate home hopes in Glasgow.

Schick, who had also netted an excellent header in the first half, doubled his tally after the break with a curling, looping effort from just inside the Scotland half, having spotted home keeper David Marshall far off his line.

Graphic: Sanjay

At 49.7 yards, the Bayer Leverkusen forward’s astonishing effort was officially the furthest distance from which a goal has been scored on record at the European Championship according to Opta.

There appeared to be little danger when the forward latched onto the ball just inside the Scotland half, but his instant finish curled past Marshall, who was scampering to get back into his goal, and dipped just beneath the bar.

Scotland had battled gamely on their return to tournament football after a 23-year absence and spurned a number of excellent chances of their own, with Lyndon Dykes guilty of wasting two superb opportunities.

Yet the Czechs were worthy winners, soaking up Scottish pressure in the first half, and quieting a noisy Hampden Park crowd, who were seeing their side play in a major tournament for the first time since the 1998 World Cup.

The result left the Czechs on three points, level at the top of Group D with England, who beat Croatia 1-0 on Sunday.

Slovaks prevail

In St Petersburg, Slovakia defender Milan Skriniar capped a memorable afternoon as he complemented a superb all round display with the winner in their 2-1 win over 10-man Poland in the opening Group E clash.

The 26-year-old centre back netted with a superb 69th-minute shot into the bottom right corner after Poland had Grzegorz Krychowiak sent off in the 62nd for a second yellow card.

Slovakia took an 18th-minute lead out of the blue through an own goal by Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny before Karol Linetty equalised in the 46th.

Poland fell behind when Robert Mak beat two defenders on the left flank with neat footwork and cut inside before his shot hit the post and rebounded off Szczesny into the net.