Spain stormed back from a goal down to defeat the Czech Republic by 4-1 in Madrid and in doing so lifted themselves into second spot behind England in UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ qualifying group 1.

Czech advantage
Finding themselves a point behind the previously unbeaten Czech Republic and three adrift of leaders England prior to this game, Spain knew they needed a positive result to keep their hopes of automatic qualification for the final tournament in Finland alive. Ignacio Quereda's team started strongly but it was the visitors, on a high after their recent 0-0 draw in England, who took the lead against the run of play through Lucie Heroldová's strike from distance just after the half hour.

Comeback complete
Spain came out after the break hungry for an equaliser and when Itziar Gurrutxaga won a penalty for the hosts which Vanesa Gimbert converted, there was only going to be one winner. Verónica Boquete was on hand to knock Spain into the lead after Czech goalkeeper Marcela Zbořilová failed to deal with a Sonia Bermúdez free kick in the 57th minute. Marta Torrejón then made it 3-1 with five minutes of the game remaining and Boquete climed her second and Spain's fourth when she found the net after Zborilova had parried Gimbert's penalty kick in injury time.

Remaining games
England won 6-1 in Belarus to maintain a three-point lead over Spain, who can close that gap with a win in Northern Ireland on 28 May before welcoming England on 2 October. The Czech Republic have home games remaining against Belarus and England, and like Spain are in with a good chance of reaching the play-offs.