Scotland have set new standards for Czech match, says James Morrison

James Morrison believes Scotland's Euro 2012 fate hinges on the Czech Republic's visit to Glasgow next September. Despite earning plaudits for their showing against Spain last night, the Scots lost 3-2 , meaning that a double-header – the Czech Republic had defeated them four days earlier – failed to yield a single point. Craig Levein's team must now wait 11 months until their next qualifying tie, with Morrison citing the visit of Michal Bilek's team to Hampden Park on 3 September as crucial. "The Czech Republic match at home is a massive one," said Morrison, the West Bromwich Albion midfielder, who was highly impressive against the world champions. "I think that will decide whether we go to the play-off or not. There is nothing to fear from the Czechs. We played them at their place and, looking at their performance, they didn't have anything like we have." It was Morrison's cross that Gerard Piqué turned beyond Iker Casillas, as Scotland squared yesterday's game at 2-2 from an earlier position of two goals behind. "At that stage we had the momentum and we had them on the rocks," Morrison said. "We have set the bar on our performance against Spain and, if we knock the ball about teams and use our energy, we have some good players in our side. If we keep that second-half performance against Spain in our minds and move it on, we'll be all right." With that sentiment in mind, Levein will spend the coming months dealing with questions of "What if?" And in a combative manner, if the live television interview from which the Scotland manager walked out on yesterday evening is anything to go by. Scotland's attacking purpose during the defeat by Spain had onlookers wondering why their manager adopted an overtly negative approach when facing the Czech Republic. "I can't really say too much about it," said Morrison diplomatically of tactical variations. "You never know what would have happened if we had done something different in Prague. We had a game plan and we tried to stick with it but, obviously, it didn't work and people were going to come out and ask why we didn't attack them." Morrison agreed that the level of talent at Levein's disposal means the manager should not feel restricted to the 4-2-4-0 formation which he so controversially deployed against the Czechs. "If you look at our squad, we have players playing in the English Premier League and in the Champions League," he said. "We've got good players, so let's go and express ourselves. I think you have to go out and give everyone a game, really. It is hard when you are away from home because you cannot just go chasing the ball and attempting to open teams up. You get done if you do that and you need to be solid and start from there."