Czechs hold the Jong Oranje

The Czech Republic drew 1-1 with the Netherlands in Mlada Boleslav on Friday in a meeting of two of this summer's UEFA European Under-21 Championship finalists.

All square
The home team made light of their depleted numbers as they took the lead five minutes before half-time when midfielder Tomáš Jirsák scored following a mix-up in the Netherlands defence. However, Czech hopes of a morale-boosting victory were ended on 67 minutes when striker Maceo Rigters took advantage of his third good opportunity of the game to equalise.

Selection headache
Czech Republic coach Ladislav Škorpil had been deprived of six regulars, with Daniel Pudil promoted to the senior squad, Martin Latka, Tomáš Frejlach and Lukáš Frejlach injured, Daniel Kolář taken ill and goalkeeper Zdeněk Zlámal hurting his ankle on the eve of the match. Nevertheless, the hosts gave a good account of themselves ahead of the June tournament in the Netherlands.

Due reward
If the Jong Oranje, who will defend the U21 crown on home soil, were unfortunate not to restore parity when Rigters hit the post soon after Jirsák's opening goal, they made sure of a draw through the same player after the restart. The strike was reward for a fine display from the NAC Breda forward who was a thorn in the side of the Czechs. Indeed, Foppe de Haan's team – featuring Ron Vlaar, Arnold Kruiswijk and Ismail Aissati from last season's triumph in Portugal – might even have sneaked a winner as substitute Jens Janse rattled the woodwork late on. The Czech Republic now visit Germany on Tuesday, when the Netherlands will welcome the Republic of Ireland.