Slovakia, Northern Ireland held in Group 3

Slovakia maintained their three-point lead atop European qualifying Group 3 with a 2-2 draw against rivals Czech Republic. Second-place Northern Ireland moved three points clear in the play-off spot with a 1-1 at Poland.

Slovakia 2-2 Czech Republic

After a scoreless first half, Stanislav Sestak opened the scoring for the home-standing Slovakians on 59 minutes, but the struggling Czechs managed to pull level nine minutes later through Daniel Pudil.

Marek Hamsik’s penalty looked to have grabbed the home side victory in the 73rd minute, but Hamsik picked up a second yellow two minutes later, allowing Milan Baros earn a point for the Czechs seven minutes from time.

Poland 1-1 Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland, two points and a game in hand behind Slovakia, were looking to make a big step toward qualifying for the World Cup finals, and things looked promising when Kyle Lafferty opened the scoring in the 38th minute.

The Brits seemed as if they would hold on for maximum points, but Mariusz Lewandowski kept Poland’s hopes alive with an equalizer 10 minutes from the final whistle.

Slovakia have 16 points through seven games, while Northern Ireland (14 pts) and Poland (11 pts) have played eight. Slovenia sit fourth on 11 points through seven games, while the Czechs are adrift with nine points in seven games.