MOSCOW, May 15 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's under-17 soccer team has given the country's long-suffering fans something to cheer about with a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over the Czech Republic in the European Championship.
After taking a 1-0 lead Sunday night through top scorer Alexander Prudnikov early in the second half, Russia looked like it had secured the title - despite missing two chances to double the lead - only to be shocked by a strike from Tomas Pekhart with just few seconds to go.
Extra time ensued in Luxembourg in a memorable climax to the tournament, which started May 3 with eight teams competing for honors.
Russia coach Igor Kolyvanov and his right hand Vadim Nikonov brought off Alexander Marenich from the bench to give Russia a 2-1 lead early in extra time but the tournament's golden boot Tomas Necid soon gave the Czechs an equalizer with a well-timed header.
But it was Russia goalkeeper Yevgeny Pomazan who was the hero of the night, as he crucially kept out Petr Wojnar's spot kick in the shootout. The Russians scored all five penalties to take win 5-3.
Spain won bronze beating Germany in the third-place playoff match 4-3 on penalties (1-1 after full and extra time).
