Soccer-Late Baros goal earns Czechs 1-1 draw with Denmark

PRAGUE, Nov 15 (Reuters) - An injury-time equaliser by striker Milan Baros gave Czech Republic a 1-1 draw against Denmark in a friendly on Wednesday.

The Danes thought they were heading for victory after forward Peter Loevenkrands opened the scoring just before the half-hour by firing home from inside the area.

Daniel Jensen also missed a penalty for the visitors in injury time but it was Baros's late header that rewarded the Czechs for their at times desperate efforts to avoid defeat.

"I'm glad I could play and that I scored. Maybe this goal will help me get back," said Baros who has been off form for his club Aston Villa and was on the bench at Everton last Saturday.

In an otherwise dull game, with neither side able to hold on to the ball or set up clear chances, the injury-ravaged Czechs sorely missing their playmaker Tomas Rosicky.

As they set about finding an equaliser, the home side left gaps at the back but despite several counter-attacks the Danes, also hit by injuries, failed to convert chances into goals.

"The team worked hard and showed willing," said Czech coach Karel Brueckner. "We were testing, trying and did not lose thanks to the will and morale." ((Reporting by Marek Petrus; editing by Ken Ferris; London Sports Desk; Reuters Messaging: rm://marek.petrus.reuters.com@reuters.net; e-mail: prague.newsroom@reuters.com or marek.petrus@reuters.com; Tel: +420 224 190 477))

Keywords: SPORT SOCCER CZECH