Czech Republic secure Euro 2016 place with win over Latvia

Czech Republic secured their place at Euro 2016 as they defeated Latvia 2-1 in their match in Riga this evening.

The visitors took the lead in the 13th minute when Josef Sural found the run of David Limbersky in the box and the striker was able to bury his effort into the back of the net.

Limbersky almost added a second goal for his side when he was allowed to shoot from the edge of the box, but his effort was well saved by Andris Vanins.

Czech Republic did double their advantage as David Pavelka teed up Vladimir Darida just outside the penalty area and the midfielder found the top corner with a stunning strike.

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Latvia almost got back into the game when Arturs Zjuzins latched on to a loose ball in the box, but Petr Cech somehow made the save to keep his team in control.

In the second half, Cech produced another fine save to deny Igors Tarasovs after his header from a corner looked to be creeping into the bottom corner.

Latvia did get a reward for their pressing when Zjuzins found space on the edge of the box and beat the outstretched hand of Cech with a strike into the bottom corner.

The home side upped the ante in the final minutes of the game, but the Czech Republic held out for the win to earn their place at the championships next year.