adminSPAIN’S attempt to win a record third European Championship in a row began with a last-gasp victory over the Czech Republic. Gerard Pique headed in a late Andres Iniesta cross, finally breaking the resistance of their stubborn opponents. Alvaro Morata, Jordi Alba and David Silva had earlier efforts saved as the holders lacked a cutting edge.
Spain had also survived a scare when Cesc Fabregas hooked a Theodor Gebre Selassie header off the goalline. Vladimir Darida had a chance to equalise but Spain keeper David de Gea, who started the game after a build-up dominated by allegations against him in the Spanish press, blocked his volley from 10 yards.
There might have been a few Spanish nerves after the team’s exit at the group stage of the 2014 World Cup and loss to 137th-ranked Georgia in their final warm-up game before Euro 2016.
Spain’s goalscoring threat in attack was a worry and any anxiety would not have been helped during a first half in which La Roja had 74% possession and made 378 passes but still failed to engineer a breakthrough.
Morata led the Spanish attack with support from Silva and Nolito, and they were comfortably contained by a disciplined and organised defence.
Spain increased their urgency after the break but it was a similar story as they failed to translate their dominance into goals. Silva’s chipped ball put Alba through on goal but the left-back’s control let him down, while Silva cut inside and sent a left-foot shot wide.
When substitute Aritz Aduriz put an acrobatic overhead kick wide, it looked like being a frustrating start for Vicente del Bosque’s side until centre-back Pique broke the deadlock in the 87th minute.
“We created a lot of chances – we hope finishing will not be a problem,” said Del Bosque. “We had the game completely under control and that’s the most important thing.” — BBC Sport
derick.khumalo