Last-minute winner hits Czechs

A last-minute winner from Youssouf Hersi earned the Netherlands a 2-1 win away to the Czech Republic, a result that prevented the home side from confirming their place in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship play-offs.

Tight at the top
The result left the Czechs top of Group 3 with 15 points after seven matches, level with Belarus but now having played the same number of games. Belarus end their qualifying game away to Moldova on Wednesday, while the Czech Republic travel to Austria on 10 October.

Bright start
Czech coach Werner Licka made three changes after Friday's 1-0 defeat in Belarus, but it was the visitors who began the brighter in Liberec and took the lead in the ninth minute as Hersi dribbled through the home side's defence before finding Jordi Hoogstrate, who made no mistake.
 
Penalty miss
The goal visibly deflated the home side, and only a fine performance from goalkeeper Jan Laštuvka prevented the visitors from increasing their lead. However, the Czechs missed a golden opportunity to draw level two minutes past the hour as Vlastimil Vidlicka was brought down by Romeo Castelen but Tomáš Hrdlicka sent his spot-kick wide.

Headed equaliser
Two substitutes combined to bring the home side back intro the game 15 minutes from time, as David Kobylík's corner was powerfully headed into the net by Pavel Fort.

Late drama
The home side poured forward in search of a second and Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg was regularly forced into action, but the away side remained dangerous and Hersi found himself unmarked in the penalty area to score a last-gasp winner. The Netherlands, whose win was their first of a disappointing campaign, remained in fourth place with six points from seven matches and end with a home game against Moldova on 11 October.