Under-17 2011 - Czech Republic-Romania – UEFA.com (original) (raw)

The Czech Republic and finals debutants Romania got off the mark with a 1-1 draw in Group B of the UEFA European Under-17 Championship.

With section favourites Germany and the Netherlands playing in Smederevo, both sides will have viewed their opener as a chance to push their claims for at least a top-three finish and a place in the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Adrian Văsâi's team appeared on the brink of improving their chances thanks to Fabian Himcinschi's second-half opener, but the Czech Republic secured a point through Nikolas Salašovič's strike three minutes from time.

Josef Csaplár's charges started equally as strongly as they finished, with Patrik Kundrátek proving a particular threat, but Romania goalkeeper Constantin Brănescu proved equal to everything thrown at him during a subdued opening period. The team-mates in front of him started to find their stride after the interval, Claudiu Bumba unleashing an impressive effort which was well blocked by Michael Lüftner.

On 52 minutes, though, they did break the deadlock through Himcinschi. The No9 broke fron the right, beat two Czech defenders and finished with aplomb. That looked to be that, until Salašovič struck. Receiving the ball 30 metres out, he jinked free and unleashed a superb shot which found the roof of Brănescu's net. Next up for the Czech Republic are Germany on Friday, when Romania face group leaders the Netherlands.