EURO 2016: Spain survives Czech scare, wins 1-0

The match between Spain and Czech Republic at the ongoing EURO 2016 was almost done and dusted before Spain sprung an 87th-minute surprise header courtesy of Gerard Piqué that became the decider of the match.

The win ensured Spain began their title defence with a victory in Group D.

Andrés Iniesta’s in-swinging cross was met by the head of his Barcelona colleague just when it seemed the points were to be shared. 

The Czech defence were missing the suspended Marek Suchý but coach Pavel Vrba set up a cautious selection with effectively six at the rear. 

Whenever Spain had the ball, both wingers withdrew to outflank the full-backs – and it so nearly worked.

Petr Čech was alert to all first-half danger when a Spain team with Iniesta pulling the strings did break through.

Moments though before half-time David de Gea, preferred to Iker Casillas, did have to block from Tomáš Necid on the counterattack. 

Right at the start of the second half there were more fantastic saves from Čech and Ladislav Krejčí’s brilliant saving tackle looked to have secured a point. 

Piqué had other ideas.

Man of the match: Andrés Iniesta (Spain)

Even if he hadn’t made the goal, Iniesta would have been the obvious choice after carving out five opportunities. 

He completed 85 of his 93 passes and, with 46 of those delivered in the attacking third, the No6 was always the instigator of Spanish danger.

SPAIN’S FINISHING TOUCH

Iniesta conducted Spain’s play with his usual aplomb but something was missing as the passing moves lacked an incisive touch at the finish. 

A high cross and strong header made the difference late on, suggesting Spain have more than one trick up their not-insignificant sleeve.

Arguably a 2-0 or 3-1 disguised as a 1-0 victory. They call it the ‘minimum win’ in Spain but that’s not what this was. 

Vicente del Bosque’s men were confident and fluent from the start but, importantly, maturing all the time.

They never panick when the chances didn’t go in nor beginning to feel they had to settle for the stalemate as full time neared.

The sight of Spain throwing both centre-backs forward in the last five minutes – meaning that if Piqué had missed then Ramos would have converted – says a lot about their mentality. ‘

Kudos to Cesc Fàbregas too for saving a goal during the Czechs’ best moment. The champions are on the move. 

MODRIĆ MAGIC HELPS CROATIA DOWN TURKEY

Meanwhile, in another Group D match played on Sunday, 12 June, Luka Modrić magic helps Croatia down Turkey 1-0.

Modrić’s 25-metre volley made Croatia’s pressure count at the Parc des Princes, with Darijo Srna and Ivan Perišić both denied by the crossbar.

The Real Madrid playmaker struck four minutes from half-time at the Parc des Princes.

His team-mates went on to protect the statistic that says Croatia have never lost when Modrić has scored – now winning ten and drawing one. 

Turkey had two opportunities to clear a corner but the second attempt only sent the ball looping towards Modrić 25 metres out. 

His aim was unerring, his volley bouncing past Volkan Babacan into the corner of the net. 

The resulting defeat was Turkey’s sixth in as many tournament-opening fixtures.

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