Czechs battle back to take second

Czech Republic’s came from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Group E winners Serbia, the point denying the tournament newcomers the honour of being the first debutants to enjoy a 100 per cent record in the group stages. Serbia controlled the pace of the game and had the majority of the possession. They took the lead as early as the sixth minute when Mladen Kocic went past two defenders and fired home. The Serbs continued to create chances, but found Czech keeper Libor Gercak in fine form. However, as things stood at half-time, the Czech were heading home. They stepped up the momentum in the second half and got the equaliser through Michal Seidler’s close range effort. Serbia retook the lead after a mix-up in the area which allowed Vidan Bojovic to score. Forty-six seconds later party was restored when Lukas Resetar passed the ball into the penalty area and the unfortunate Bojan Pavicevic deflected it into his own goal. The result ensured Serbia finished as group leaders. They face Argentina in the Round of 16, while Czech Republic as runners-up face the formidable Russians. FIFA