Euro CUP: Czech Republic, Sweden close in for a spot in Pre-Quarters

Czech Republic close inches to book a place in pre-quarterfinals after they drew the game with Croatia in Group D on Friday. Czechs took the lead in first half when Patrick Schick even after getting hurt converted the  penalty kick into goal. This is his third goal in the tournament. They held the lead till the first half of the game. But their one goal lead does not prove enough for victory. Croatia strikes back in the second half for equalizer. Ivan Perisic’s powerful shot brought his team on level. Now Czech Republic with four points from their two games step closer to Round 16.  With one lose and one draw, Croatia’s qualification hopes may go down to the  wire.

In another match of Group D, Scotland deservedly held England to a goalless draw and kept their own hopes alive for a berth in the pre-quarterfinals. While England missed a good opportunity for early entry to the last 16 rounds. Now they will have either to beat or play draw with Czech Republics to ensure a spot in the next round.

In Group E, Sweden moved to top the table after they beat Slovakia 1-0 on Friday. Emil Forsberg netted the winning goal from the penalty spot to put his team on track for the knockouts. The Scandinavian side now lead the group with four points from two games, one ahead of Slovakia. Sweden last time reached the knock out stage in 2004.