Czech spring up an Oranje surprise

Injury-time goal gives the Czech Republic a surprise 2-1 win over the Netherlands in their Euro 2016 qualifier.

This was Guus Hiddink's first match in charge of the Dutch side since his return as manager [Getty Images]

The Czech Republic snatched a last-gasp 2-1 win over the Netherlands thanks to Vaclav Pilar’s injury-time goal after a dreadful mistake by Daryl Janmaat in their opening Euro 2016 qualifier.

Defender Janmaat attempted to cushion a header back to Jasper Cillessen inside the area but it beat the Dutch keeper and struck the post only for Pilar to tuck the rebound into the net to the delight of the home fans watching the Group A clash.

The match was Guus Hiddink’s first competitive game in charge since his return to the national side after Louis van Gaal stepped down to take charge of Manchester United.

Wins for Italy, Croatia

Elsewhere, Simone Zaza made the most of the suspended Mario Balotelli’s absence up front by scoring the opening goal to pave the way for Italy’s comfortable 2-0 win over Norway.

The Sassuolo striker, surprisingly brought into the squad by new coach Antonio Conte, struck with a deflected shot after 16 minutes and also hit the crossbar and had an another effort cleared off the line before being substituted.

Captain Leonardo Bonucci again punished Norway in the 62nd minute, rising unmarked to power home a downward header from substitute Manuel Pasqual’s cross.

Goals by birthday boy Luka Modric and emerging 23-year-old striker Andrej Kramaric gave Croatia a 2-0 home win over 10-man Malta.

Source: Reuters