Czechs bounce Austria to reach Under-20 World Cup final

EDMONTON, Canada, July 19 (Reuters) Czech Republic beat Austria 2-0 to reach the final of the Under-20 World Cup where they will face Argentina or Chile.

The Czechs took the lead in just the fourth minute when Lubos Kalouda whipped in a free-kick from the left which Austria keeper Michael Zaglmair failed to hold on to and Tomas Micola tapped home.

Eleven minutes later the Czechs doubled their lead when Ondrej Kudela burst down the right and slipped over a low cross which Martin Fenin converted from close range.

Markus Suttner went close twice for Austria but yesterday, weakened by injury and suspension, they struggled to create chances against a well-organised Czech defence.

Seven minutes from the end, though, Austria striker Rubin Okotie missed a glorious chance to re-open the game when left unmarked inside the area but headed wide.

Argentina and Chile face each other in the second semi-final in Toronto on Thursday with the final played on Sunday at the same venue.

REUTERS SAM SSC1130