Czechs draw in Germany
Tuesday, March 26, 2002
Article summary
The Czech Republic's Under-21 side left it late to equalise in drawing 1-1 with Germany.
Article body
The Czech Republic continued their warm-up for May's UEFA European Under-21 Championship with a 1-1 draw against their German counterparts in Chemnitz tonight.
Goalless first half
Although the first half was goalless, both teams created a number of good chances, the Czechs going close when Jirí Koubský hit the post following a corner.
Germans open scoring
Germany, who were eliminated from the Swiss-hosted European Championship finals by England and Greece, upped the pressure in the second half and took the lead on 57 minutes through Benjamin Auer, not long after Denis Lapaczinski had missed an open goal for the home team.
Slepicka's equaliser
However, the game was then disrupted by numerous substitutions, and, largely against the run of play, the Czechs equalised just before full time after a fine solo run and finish from Miroslav Slepicka.
France, Belgium and Greece in finals
In the opening stage of the finals the Czechs meet France, Belgium and Greece in Group B. Greece gained a 3-2 home win over Belgium tonight, scoring three penalties.