Haša keeps Czechs in contention

Roman Haša's header ten minutes from time kept the Czech Republic in UEFA European Under-17 Championship contention with a draw against Turkey.

The Czech Republic looked to be facing a second Group B loss and a likely early exit when Artun Akçakin put Turkey ahead shortly after break. Haša made the subsequent Czech pressure tell but they still must beat Greece on Monday and hope Turkey lose to England to have a chance of pipping them to the semi-finals on goal difference. A point for Turkey would take them out of the Czech Republic's reach.

Okay Yokuşlu's long-range effort had set Turkey on their way to an opening 3-1 defeat of Greece and in an unchanged side nearly did so again with a shot that flew just over. Okan Derıcı also turned the ball across the face of goal in a scramble.

The Czech Republic, who had brought in right-back Jan Toms, left-winger Robert Mariotti and forward Haša since losing 3-1 to England, were having just as much of the play. Two of those newcomers combined when Mariotti's cross from the left was turned into the side netting by Haša. A Filip Twardzik free-kick was then turned away by Turkey goalkeeper Muhammed Uysal, who also did well to hold a deep Martin Hurka cross late in the half.

Three minutes into the second period, Turkey struck. Captain Artun, who scored twice against Greece, ran through the Czech defence and slipped the ball past Vlastimil Veselý. Jiří Štol's team responded well, though, Muhammed showing sharpness to deny Jakub Plšek from close range after a Hurka corner and then saving Twardzik's header from another.

Haša turned a header just wide as the Czech Republic continued to press, knowing that defeat would effectively end their campaign. Time seemed to be against them, but with ten minutes left Matěj Hybš sent in a great cross from the left and this time Muhammed could not deny Haša.