Soccer-Czechs beat Denmark on penalties to book World Cup spot

PRAGUE, March 31 (Reuters) - The Czech Republic clinched a spot at this year's World Cup by beating Denmark 3-1 on penalties after an absorbing encounter in which they led in normal time and extra time on Tuesday.

The Czechs were pegged back to 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes and 2-2 after the extra period before winning the shootout to reach their first World Cup since 2006 to delight the home fans.

The hosts -- who beat Ireland in a shootout in the playoff semi-finals last week -- stunned Denmark when Pavel Sulc found the top corner with a first-time strike after three minutes.

The visitors levelled in the 72nd through a Joachim Andersen header before Czech captain Ladislav Krejci and Denmark's Kasper Hogh scored in extra time to send the match to penalties.