Duda spares Slovakia a Scotland loss

Slovakia struck late to earn a 1-1 draw against Scotland, with a Dutch defeat earlier having given them a chance to finish top of UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying Group 3.

The Netherlands' surprise 1-0 loss at home against Georgia gave Slovakia the chance to draw level with the Jong Oranje on 16 points, but Scotland proved to be tough customers. Ryan Fraser gave the visitors the lead on 67 minutes but the ever-menacing Ondrej Duda snatched a draw in the last minute, weaving into the area before producing a low finish.

Legia Warszawa playmaker Duda was at the heart of much of Slovakia's good work though it was Branislav Ňinaj who had the best chance of the first half, Jordan Archer saving his header from Patrik Hrošovský's cross. Misses early in the second period, however, looked set to be costly after Fraser connected with Lewis McLeod's well-timed through ball to beat Dobrivoj Rusov.

Duda took the fight to the Scots, though, and was twice denied by Archer before finding the target. Slovakia now trail the Netherlands by two points, but will finish top of the section if they beat Adrie Koster's side away from home on Monday. Slovakia coach Ivan Galád said: "We have 14 points. We expected to have more, but we still have a chance and we will fight for it in the Netherlands."