France and Czech Republic through to semis
France and the Czech Republic have both advanced to the semi-finals of the under-21 European Championships which are taking place in Switzerland.
The Czech Republic booked their place with a battling 1-1 draw against Greece in Group B at the Olympique de la Pontaise stadium in Lausanne.
Even though Georgios Kyriazis cancelled out Zdenek Grygera’s first-half penalty with a strike 20 minutes from time, the Czechs progressed to the last four as runners-up in the group thanks to France beating Belgium 2-0 in Geneva.
Both goals came in the second half, with an own goal from Koen Daerden putting the French ahead beofre Pegguy Luyindula struck to finally end the strong resistance of the Belgians and get France through to the semi-finals.
On Wednesday the Swiss team will be looking to book their own place in the semi-finals when they face Italy in Basel. Switzerland are playing in their first ever finals at a major tournament and have already sprung one major suprise by beating Portugal on Monday.
A win over Italy in front of a sell-out Basel crowd would now guarantee Switzerland a place in the last four while even a draw could be enough, if Portugal manage to beat England in Zurich.
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