EURO 2012 PLAY-OFF, SECOND LEGS: Montenegro 0 Czech Republic 1:CZECH REPUBLIC made sure of a place at the finals thanks to a late goal from Petr Jiracek in Podgorica last night. The Czechs were content to defend their 2-0 first-leg lead and were not really troubled until the second half when Montenegro stepped up the pressure and could have easily scored three goals.

Montenegro, aiming to qualify for their first tournament since splitting with Serbia, had a number of chances to get back into the tie. Juventus striker Mirko Vucinic headed over the bar late in the second half and missed again minutes later when Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech was able to save both his shot and the rebound.

Cech made a number of sprawling saves including one from Dejan Damjanovic early in the second half when he appeared to just nudge the latter’s shot on to the crossbar.

Montenegro dominated the second half but Pilzen’s Petr Jiracek put the game beyond reach in the 81st minute when he eluded two defenders and side-footed a shot that Montenegro keeper Mladen Bozovic could only deflect into the net.

MONTENEGRO:Bozovic, Pavicevic, Zverotic, Dzudovic, Savic, Bozovic, Beqiraj (Delibasic, 57), Damjanovic (Vukcevic,77), Drincic, Jovetic, Vucinic. Booked: Pavicevic, Vucinic, Damjanovic, Drincic, Savic.

CZECH REPUBLIC:Cech, Selassie, Kadlec, Sivok, Hubnik, Rezek (Pospech, 60), Rosicky, Plasil, Jiracek, Pilar (Kolar, 69), Pekhart (Baros, 84). Booked: Sivok, Baroš.

Referee:N Rizzoli (Italy).