Czech Republic U21 0-1 Serbia U21

Serbia became the second team to qualify for the semifinals of the European Under 21 Championship courtesy of an injury time goal by Bosko Jankovic to win its match against Czech Republic at the De Goffert stadium on Thursday.

Having already won its first match against Italy, Serbia was confident of making it to the semifinals. A high tempo first half saw both the teams create chances in the opening few minutes. Czech Republic needed a win in order to keep its semifinal hopes alive.

Serbia had a scare early on in the game when the Czechs nearly took the lead through corners. However first Michal Papadopulos and then Milan Kopic narrowly headed their chances off the target. Serbia too had some chances in the half, with keeper Zdenek Zlamal needing to be alert to deny Dejan Milovanovic and Dragan Mrdja.

Serbia keeper Damir Kahriman was called into action at the end of the first half when he had to pull off saves to deny Martin Fillo and Jirsak. However even he could not have done anything had Jiri Kladrubsky's shot deflected on target.

Serbia coach Miroslav Djukic made a change at the start of the first half, bringing on Djordje Rakic to replace Mrdja. Serbia started to get into a rhythm in the second half, with both Rukavina and Jankovic both shooting wide of the target.

However it was Czech who created the best chance of the match, when Jirsak's pass found Kladrubsky inside the area, but his shot was saved brilliantly by Kahriman. Just when it looked like Czech Republic had managed to draw its second successive game in the tournament, disaster struck for side.

Milan Smiljanic latched on to Antonio Rukavina's pass on the right hand side and his cross was met by Jankovic who headed the ball into the net to give his team the lead with just seconds before the full time whistle. The win confirms that Serbia will finish the group stage at the top of the table and will look forward to face either Portugal or Belgium in the semis. Czech Republic will now have to fight it out with Italy and England to book a place into the semifinals.