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The majority of today's games were evenly-fought affairs, making it a brilliant day of handball. The eight groups are taking shape nicely and we now look forward to the final two rounds of matches, beginning on 28 April.
Saves like this from Mrkva were crucial for the Czech Republic's late flourish as they claimed an important draw. The point puts Russia clear at the top of Group 3 on 6 points, one ahead of Ukraine, while the Czech's are on three points with a game in hand.
Dmitriy Kiselev whips in a penalty right over the keeper's head to equalise in the final minute. A man down, Czech Republic take a timeout with the last possession of the game. Incredibly, Tomas Babak plays the ball right into the hands of Russia's Dmitrii Santalov, who now faces a full-court shot into an empty net to win it. He launches it timidly, and the ball rolls towards goal as the final seconds tick away. Just before the buzzer, the balls rolls wide to the right of the goal and the Czechs are spared another painful loss.
A point probably the fair result in this clash. Just over six minutes left and, yes you guessed it, it's a tight one. Czech Republic turn the tables once again to lead thanks to Jakub Hrstka's fifth goal of the day. More drama on the way? Kiselev leading all scorers at the moment with five goals as Russia begin to turn the screw and take a lead with just over a quarter of the match remaining. Russia starting the second half the better side and they have closed that two-goal gap without much hassle.
