Hubník gives Czechs the edge

The Czech Republic secured a slim advantage to take into the second leg of their UEFA European Under-21 Championship play-off in Bosnia-Herzegovina next Tuesday after coming out 2-1 winners at home in Jablonec.

Evenly balanced
Roman Hubník scored the goal that gives the Czechs the edge after Sejad Salihović had cancelled out Daniel Kolář's first-half opener, leaving the tie nicely balanced with at least 90 minutes still to play.

Kolář breakthrough
The visitors survived early pressure from the Czechs, who were unable to break down a stubborn Bosnia-Herzegovina defence. However, Kolář gave them the lead on 34 minutes, latching on to a Jan Holenda pass to register his second goal in qualifying following a strike against Cyprus in the group stage.

Unlikely equaliser
The hosts continued to be the more effective side in the second half as Bosnia-Herzegovina struggled with Czech Republic-based forward Edin Džeko alone in attack. Against the run of play they managed to conjure an equaliser in the 54th minute though - Salihovič levelling with a free-kick from 25 metres.

Captain's winner
Hubník, however, ensured his team would take an advantage to Sarajevo with 20 minutes remaining. The defender profited after Bosnia-Herzegovina goalkeeper Zdenko Baotić could only parry Daniel Pudil's free-kick, turning in the rebound from close range. Ladislav Škorpil's men also came close to a third goal four minutes from time when Michal Papadopulos headed against the crossbar, leaving both sides hopeful of progressing to the Netherlands next year.