India (3) v (5) Czech Republic

By Andrew Erlanger

The Czech Republic has advanced to the Community Cup semi-finals with a spirited 5-3 victory over India.

The match kicked off at a frenetic tempo as players from each team gave their all for a spot in the semi-finals.

It was the Indians who settled best early, controlling play as they set up a wealth of scoring opportunities.

But Czech goalkeeper Igor 'Daisy' Karpis was up to the challenge and denied shot after shot to keep the scores ties.

With their backs to the wall, the Czechs turned the match in their favour thanks to a cracking Jan Jasukevic strike.

Daisy continued to put his body on the line as the Indians lifted their intensity in search for an equalising goal.

But a composed strike from Deepak Ho right on the stroke of half time evened the ledger at 1-1.

The second half commenced in the most spectacular of fashion with Jasukevic finding the back of the net with a powerful shot from the kick off.

With a newfound level of confidence the Czechs continued to attack and a miraculous back heel from Sawan Nigam appeared to have sealed the match at 3-1.

But the Indians never dropped their heads, scoring two of the last four goals and keeping the match interesting right until the final whistle.

Photos: Photoworx