Russia fightback proves in vain

Russia twice came from a goal down to salvage a point against the Czech Republic in elite round Group 5 but it was not enough to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship final tournament.

The result leaves Russia in second place on two points, four behind Italy – 3-2 victors against Northern Ireland – with one match remaining. The mini-tournament hosts conclude their campaign against the group winners on Wednesday, when the Czechs face Northern Ireland.

In an open encounter in Moscow, Alan Gatagov gave Russia a 12th-minute lead with a shot from distance. The advantage lasted a little over a quarter of an hour, though, as Ladislav Krejčí – six minutes after his introduction – headed in the rebound after Jiří Skalák had struck the crossbar.

The latter was not to be denied, giving his side the lead after the half-hour following a pass from the impressive Zdeněk Folprecht, only for Russia to restore parity on the cusp of half-time through Aleksandr Kokorin. Václav Kadlec looked to have won it 12 minutes from time when he seized possession in the area and scored from close range, but the Czechs had not counted on Maksim Kanunnikov turning in Kokorin's cross.