Czechs go from strength to strength

The Czech Republic continued their perfect start to the defence of their UEFA European Under-21 Championship crown with a convincing victory while Russia also won tonight.

New stars
The Czechs defeated Belarus 3-0 in Liberec to follow on from their opening 2-0 victory against Moldova in Group 3 last week. Goals from Jirí Koubsky, Jaroslav Plasil and Ales Schuster confirmed the three points for a new look Czech side without many of the stars which won them the U21 title in the summer.

Excellent display
Defender Koubsky headed his side into the lead in the fifth minute after rising to meet Radek Sírl's corner. AS Monaco midfield player Jaroslav Plasil, the only overseas-based player in the team, added the second soon after the restart. Schuster sealed an excellent performance with a 25-metre free-kick in the 75th minute

Lastuvka heroics
The Czechs also had goalkeeper Jan Lastuvka to thank for keeping out the lively Belarussians. Lastuvka, of FC Baník Ostrava, was in inspirational form and looked a worthy successor to Petr Cech, now with the full side.
 
Trifonov saves day
Russia made it three wins from three to take top spot in Group 10. Andrei Chernyshov's team beat Albania 1-0 at home but had to wait for their winner. A spectacular 87-minute strike from SC Rotor Volgograd midfiel player Oleg Trifonov ensured a deserved three points after pressure from the Russians throughout the game.

Denied by offside
Albania had looked lively on the counterattack though, and came close to scoring through Albert Kaci's header and Bledar Mancaku's effort. Russia also had their chances, with Alan Kussov contriving to miss when it appeared easier to score, while Roman Pavliuchenko also had the ball in the net, only for his goal to be ruled offside.

Goalkeeper stunned
After the interval, Kussov, Pavliuchenko and Anton Bober all missed opportunities and it began to look like the points would be shared. However, Trifonov saved the day. Oleg Kuzmin fed Trifonov, and the Volgograd native blasted the ball from 40 metres into the top corner past a stunned Erjone Dine in the Albanian goal.