Sunday 6th September 2009
Baros Czechs out with late equaliser
Milan Baros grabbed a late equaliser for the Czech Republic to clinch a 2-2 draw against neighbours and Group Three leaders Slovakia.
Needing to win to press their claims for a second-place finish in the group, the Czech Republic twice had to come from behind just to claim a point.
Slovakia led on both occasions thanks to goals from Stanislav Sestak and Marek Hamsik, who netted a penalty, however Daniel Pudil and substitute Baros at least ensured the Czechs were not beaten.
Hamsik was sent off shortly after his 73rd-minute penalty, receiving his first yellow card for his celebrations and his second for a foul.
With Slovakia down to 10 men, the Czech side piled on the pressure late on and Baros levelled in the 84th minute but they remain fifth in the group, seven points off top spot.
Second-placed Northern Ireland drew 1-1 against Poland in Chorzow.
Rangers striker Kyle Lafferty had Northern Ireland daring to dream of a famous victory at the Slaski Stadium, when he scored in the 37th minute.
But instead they had to settle for a point after Mariusz Lewandowski scored an equaliser with 10 minutes remaining, to lift Poland to third place.
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