UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Czechs cling on to finals berth

Switzerland 1-0 Czech Republic Jaroslav Horak's team held on to take first place in Group 4 despite Ivan Rakitic's winner in Donetsk.

The Czech Republic squeezed into the 2005/06 UEFA European Under-19 Championship final tournament by the narrowest of margins despite a defeat against Switzerland in the final round of matches in Group 4.

One goal not enough
Jaroslav Horak's team had previously overcome both Ukraine and Denmark to leave themselves within a point of reaching the finals in Poland in July, but they were made to sweat at the Metalurg stadium in Donetsk as Ivan Rakitic gave Switzerland the lead seven minutes after half-time. One goal was insufficient for the Swiss to overhaul their opponents, however, and with Ukraine defeating the Danes 3-0 in the other Matchday 3 fixture they, the Swiss and the Czechs all finished with six points with the latter progressing by virtue of a superior head to head record in matches involving the three sides.