Scotland's David Marshall tries to prevent Patrik Schick's shot from the halfway line which gave Czech Republic a 2-0 victory over Scotland at Euro 2020 ©Getty Images

Spectacular goals helped the Czech Republic and Slovakia record victories in their opening UEFA European Championship matches against Scotland and Poland, respectively.

The Czech Republic’s Patrik Schick scored an amazing goal from the halfway line to double his side’s lead against the hosts Scotland in Group D at Hampden Park in Glasgow.

His strike in the 52nd minute was measured at 49.7 yards – the longest in the history of the European Championships - and broke the hearts of Scottish fans who were seeing their team play in a major international tournament for the first time in 23 years.

Schick’s opportunity came when a Scotland attack broke down and the ball broke to him just inside his opponent’s half.

He spotted the Scotland goalkeeper David Marshall was off his line and lofted the ball towards the goal.

Marshall desperately tried to scramble back but could not make it in time, leaving the 9,000 fans inside the stadium stunned.

Schick had earlier put the Czech Republic ahead with a header in the 42nd minute.

Patrik Schick celebrates scoring his second goal in the Czech Republic's 2-0 victory over Scotland in Glasgow ©Getty Images
Patrik Schick celebrates scoring his second goal in the Czech Republic's 2-0 victory over Scotland in Glasgow ©Getty Images

Poland had been expected to beat Slovakia in their Group E match at Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg but fell to a side ranked 36th in the world.

The Slovaks went ahead in the 18th minute when Robert Mak showed good individual skill to work his way into the penalty-area and fire in a shot which cannoned off Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who was credited with an own-goal.

Poland equalised a minute after half-time when Karol Linetty finished off an intricate move.

The Poles were reduced to 10 men in the 62nd minute, however, when Grzegorz Krychowiak was sent-off for his second yellow card.

Seven minutes passed before Slovakia regained their lead when centre-back Milan Škriniar showed good control on the edge of the penalty-area to swivel and drill in a low shot past Szczesny.

Spain and Sweden played out a 0-0 draw in Seville which leaves Slovakia top of Group E ©Getty Images
Spain and Sweden played out a 0-0 draw in Seville which leaves Slovakia top of Group E ©Getty Images

It leaves Slovakia, who reached the last 16 at Euro 2016, top after Spain and Sweden played out a goalless draw at La Cartuja in Seville.

Spain, the 2012 European champions, failed to make all of their chances and possession count.

They might even have lost if Sweden’s Marcus Berg had not missed an open goal in the 62nd minute.

Tomorrow, Group F kicks-off with Hungary due to take on the defending champions Portugal in a match set to take place before a capacity 60,000 crowd at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest.

Then, World Cup champions France are scheduled to play three-time European winners Germany at the Allianz Arena in Munich.