BERLIN, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Czech Republic clinched its eighth consecutive European Championship finals appearance after moving 3-0 past Moldova on Monday.
Moldova had the opportunity to catch the Czechs flat-footed in the opening stages, but goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek was on guard and tipped Vadim Rata's one-timer away in the fourth minute.
The hosts created their first presentable chance in the 11th minute when Adam Hlozek failed to beat Moldova keeper Dorian Railean following David Doudera's good build-up work.
Doudera remained in the thick of things and opened the scoring moments later as the attacking midfielder raced down the left wing before beating onrushing Railean into the far corner.
The visitors now required two goals to maintain their chances but Vladislav Baboglo was sent off for a second bookable offence, leaving a comeback out of sight, ten minutes into the second half.
The Czechs had to wait until the 72nd minute to benefit from their numerical advantage as Tomas Chory nodded home Vasil Kusej's inswinging corner to make it 2-0.
The hosts weren't done with the scoring and added to the lead in the dying seconds through Tomas Soucek, who hammered home a loose ball from 18 meters.
With the result, Czech Republic cemented second place in Group E, while Moldova remained in fourth. Albania topped the table after sharing the spoils against the Faroe Islands.
In the other games, Group C leaders England held North Macedonia to a 1-1 draw, while second-placed Italy ensured qualification courtesy of a goalless draw with Ukraine.
Group H front-runners Denmark defended top spot after seeing off Northern Ireland, while runners-up Slovenia qualified after beating Kazakhstan 2-1 in an all-or-nothing game, and San Marino lost to Finland 2-1. ■
