Fojtášek proves Czech hero against Slovakia

A last-minute goal from substitute Dan Fojtášek gave the Czech Republic the early advantage in UEFA European Under-17 Championship elite round Group 1.

It seemed this game, just like the other group fixture between hosts Italy and Scotland, was heading for a scoreless draw. But Dominik Mašek's cross-shot was turned in by Fojtášek and Anton Valović's side, who meet Italy on Friday, had the victory.

In the first half the Czech Republic had most of the ball but Slovakia were able to keep playmaker Nikolas Salašovič quiet. After the break the caution continued although Michael Lüftner had a headed chance for the Czech Republic from an Aleš Čermák corner. But Čermák was to make a goal when he set Mašek away to supply Fojtášek and finally breach the Slovakia defence.

Slovakia coach Anton Valović said: "We lost two points today, because we conceded the decisive goal in an even match in the very last seconds. It was a strange match, with few attempts on goal and the most reasonable result would have been 0-0.

"If a team should won it was Slovakia, especially considering the number of corners and amount of possession. My players are beyond reproach because we made a mistake and we have been punished. That's football."