Holders Spain opened their Euro 2016 challenge with a Group D clash against Czech Republic on Monday afternoon in Toulouse.
La Roja utterly dominated matters in the first 45 minutes, but could not find a route past Petr Cech in the Czech Republic net as it remained goalless entering the half-time break.
It was a similar story in the second period as Spain continued to create openings, but eventually the breakthrough came in the 87th minute when Gerard Pique headed home from close range.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Sports Mole's live Euro 2016 coverage continues from Toulouse as the defending champions Spain open their Group D campaign against Czech Republic. The tournament is well and truly underway and now it is the turn of those in Group D to stake their claim. Can Czech Republic cause a shock at Stadium Municipal? Stay with me to find out. The team news is imminent from Toulouse!
This afternoon's clash will be the fifth time that Spain and Czech Republic meet in international football. Each of their four previous meetings were during qualification for major tournaments – the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2012. They drew their first match 0-0 in October 1996, but Spain have recorded three wins since then – including a 2-0 success last time out in October 2011.
Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from Toulouse. Who have Vicente del Bosque and Pavel Vrba placed their faith in this afternoon?
TEAMS:
ESP: De Gea; Juanfran, Ramos, Pique, Alba; Busquets, Iniesta, Fabregas; Nolito, Morata, Silva
CZE: Cech; Kaderabek, Sivok, Hubnik, Limbersky; Darida, Plasil, Rosicky; Selassie, Necid, Krejci
After much speculation surrounding the goalkeeping position in the Spain XI, Del Bosque has opted for Manchester United's David de Gea, meaning that Iker Casillas fails to start an international tournament as the number one for the first time since 2000. Celta Vigo's Nolito also starts in a wide left position, while Alvaro Morata will lead the line after recovering from a slight strain. At the back, there are no surprises as club rivals Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos start inside Juanfran and Jordi Alba. Some defence!
As for Czech Republic, Arsenal pair Tomas Rosicky and Petr Cech both start in what appears to be a 4-3-3 formation, matching up to Spain's line-up. There was speculation over Theodor Gabre Selassie's place in the XI and it does appear that the 29-year-old will win his 37th international cap in a wide right position. An experienced midfield also includes Jaroslav Plasil, who will win his 101st cap, and 25-year-old Vladimir Darida. Bursaspor's Tomas Nemid leads the line for Czech Republic in Toulouse.
So there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now just about 40 minutes from kickoff this afternoon. I shall speak about Czech Republic and their credentials a little bit later, but let's start with Spain, who are bidding to win the European Championships for a third successive time. Alongside France and world champions Germany, they are seen as serious challengers for the crown this summer.
It is not worth dwelling on Spain's performance at the 2014 World Cup, but it is worth mentioning that they exited in the group stages after entering the tournament as holders. The squad has been freshened since then, however, and it would be one of the biggest shocks of all time if they failed to make the round of 16 this time around, especially with the new system that has been introduced.
Spain landed their first European Championship crown in 1964, but did not qualify for the finals in 1968, 1972 or 1976. They then finished as runners-up in 1984, but dropped out of the group stages in 1988 and 2004. Between 1968 and 2004, Spain's European Championship record was pretty average, but they won both the 2008 and 2012 editions and are seeking a third straight down in France.
At Euro 2012, Spain thumped Italy 4-0 in the final to claim the crown having beaten Iberian rivals Portugal in the semi-finals. Del Bosque's actually side lost their second qualification match for Euro 2016, but secured their spot in the finals after finishing top of Group C on 27 points.
During qualification, they scored 23 goals and only conceded three times, but they will enter this match off the back of a surprise 1-0 friendly defeat to Georgia on June 7. It was an incredible result, but in all honesty, Spain dominated from start to finish and Georgia had serious luck on their side.
Before losing to Georgia, Spain had beaten Bosnia-Herzegovina 3-1 and Korea Republic 6-1 in their two friendlies and importantly, avoided picking up any serious injuries. Morata did suffer a knock in the Korea clash, but has recovered to take his place at centre-forward in the La Roja XI. In terms of what is ahead, Spain will face Turkey on June 17, before tackling Croatia in their final Group D match on June 21.
Just a reminder that 16 teams will advance from the six groups into the next round. How does that work? Well, as usual, the top two from each group will automatically make it through – 12 into the next round. The other four will come from the four best third-placed teams. It is actually pretty difficult not to make it through! Only two of the third-placed teams this summer will exit in the group stages.
As for Czech Republic, Vrba's side secured qualification for this summer's tournament after finishing top of Group A. They won seven of their 10 matches – scoring 19 times in the process. They actually finished four points ahead of third-place Turkey, who they will again meet in the finals!
Much of the focus will be on Spain this afternoon, but Czech Republic have a pretty impressive European Championship record. FACR finished as runners-up at Euro 1996, while they made the semi-finals of Euro 2004 and quarter-finals of Euro 2012. That said, Czech Republic did fail to qualify for either the 2010 or 2014 World Cup. Kickoff is just about 15 minutes away in Toulouse.
In terms of Czech Republic's preparation for Euro 2016, Vrba's team thumped Malta 6-0 on May 27, before beating Russia 2-1 on June 1. They did lose 2-1 at home to Korea Republic last time out, however, in what was a disappointing performance. Can this man keep out Spain this afternoon?
Defeat for Czech Republic here would leave them in a very difficult position entering their second Group D clash against Croatia on June 17. They will then finish against Turkey on June 21 and in truth, it is going to be tough to make it through this particular section, even with the new third-place ruling. I would not even be surprised to see Croatia, who beat Turkey 1-0 yesterday, top this group ahead of Spain.
A reminder of the two teams this afternoon...
ESP: De Gea; Juanfran, Ramos, Pique, Alba; Busquets, Iniesta, Fabregas; Nolito, Morata, Silva
CZE: Cech; Kaderabek, Sivok, Hubnik, Limbersky; Darida, Plasil, Rosicky; Selassie, Necid, Krejci
Here we go then - both sets of players have joined us on the pitch for the first period. Once the national anthems have taken place and the pre-match handshakes have been exchanged, we will be just about ready to get this Group D clash underway. Spain have not lost a match at the Euros for 12 years!
KICKOFF! Croatia currently top Group D, but a Spain win by more than one goal would take Del Bosque's side to the summit. Right, it is Spain that get the first period underway here...
... it must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium. No sign of trouble, which is the main thing following the ugly scenes in Marseille. As expected, Spain have taken control of the possession in the opening moments as they move the ball in the final third.
Spain are pressing very high at the moment as they continue to dominate the early stages, but Czech Republic force the first corner of the match after smart work from Gebre Selassie. The set piece is delivered by Rosicky, but Pique gets up well to clear behind for another Czech set piece.
Now then - Czech Republic have a free kick in a very good position as Pique fells Necid...
... Darida goes low with the free kick, but it smashes straight into the wall. Bit of a waste.
Czech Republic appear to be growing in confidence at the moment as Spain struggle to clear their lines on a couple of occasions. Morata looks to break clear for Spain after smart work from Morata, but Sivok is on hand to make the challenge. Still no real chances inside eight minutes in Toulouse.
Cech makes a smart save to keep out Pique from close range, but the Spain centre-back was clearly offside when Nolito fed the pass into the Barcelona defender. Nice, open game of football.
Morata has just fallen into the linesman, but the referee does not show a card!
Pass, pass, pass from Spain as they attempt to find a route through this Czech defence, but Cech has not yet had a save to make in Toulouse. Slightly untidy from Spain as Alba attempts to find Pique and instead plays it straight out for a throw-in. Solid start from Czech Republic here.
Darida breaks up a Spain attack in the middle of the park and looks to drive away towards Ramos and Pique, but Busquets is back to make a smart challenge. Spain started on the front foot, but Czech Republic are comfortable at the moment as they continue to stretch the game in wide areas.
Half-chance for Spain as Ramos meets a deep free kick from Iniesta, but his effort was always moving away from goal. Neither goalkeeper has had to make a save in the opening 16 minutes.
SAVE! Wonderful chance for Spain as Juanfran sets up Silva, who finds Morata with a low cross from the right, but the striker's effort is straight at Cech, who makes a smart stop!
Gebre Selassie continues to mark Alba down the Spain left and smart defending from the number four prevents a cross reaching the box. From the resulting set piece, Morata heads over Cech's goal.
Spain have regained control in the last couple of minutes as they pass and probe in the final third of the field. Czech Republic are working very hard, however, as they continue to close the space.
Pique is all alone inside the Czech Republic box and manages to meet a corner from Silva, but his header is into the air rather than towards goal. Ramos then hits the deck after clashing with Limbersky and the centre-back needs some treatment. Still goalless with 23 on the clock here.
Busquets is a touch fortunate to escape a booking after chopping Plasil to the deck in the middle of the park. Just the one outstanding chance in this match and that fell to Morata in the 16th minute.
Iniesta finds a super pass into Juanfran as Spain threaten once again, but Sivok is across to make a smart challenge. Czech Republic just need to find a way to stop this Spain domination here.
SAVE! It is Morata versus Cech part two and the Arsenal goalkeeper makes a wonderful stop to prevent Morata's low effort reaching the bottom corner. Could well be 2-0 here!
Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining and in truth, Czech Republic have been pretty comfortable despite Spain dominating possession of the ball. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital this afternoon. If Spain score first, the Czechs are in trouble.
Morata beats the offside trap as Spain break forward once again, but after finding Alba, Cech is on hand to pluck a cross out of the air. Bit of a waste for Spain considering the circumstances.
Super work from Nolito as the Celta forward somehow delivers a pass into Fabregas inside the Czech box, but Kaderabek is across to make the challenge. The pressure is growing from Spain.
Czech Republic continue to clear their lines, but it just keeps coming straight back here.
Busquets hammers a volley over the crossbar after more good work from Nolito!
Poor from Necid as the Czech Republic striker has time and space in the final third, but fires the ball straight out of play after looking for Plasil in a wide position. Still goalless in Toulouse.
Nolito turns and strikes, but his effort was always moving over Cech's crossbar!
Iniesta spots Cech off his line and decides to strike from distance, but the midfielder's effort was always moving over the crossbar. Czech Republic just cannot get out of their own half here.
SAVE! Cech keeps out a strike from Alba as Spain continue to press. The rebound threatens to fall for Morata and then Iniesta, but somehow Czech Republic scramble it clear!
SAVE! This time Cech saves from Silva as Spain absolutely dominate this game.
Czech Republic are very close to keeping a first-half clean sheet, which would be very fortunate considering Spain's absolute domination. That said, still a couple of minutes left in this first period.
Ramos hits one from distance and it is a comfortable save for Cech.
SAVE! Czech Republic finally break away and Necid keeps himself on side before striking towards goal, but De Gea is on hand to make the save. That is better from the Czechs!
HALF-TIME: Spain 0-0 Czech Republic
So there we have it. That was a half of utter domination from Spain, but the half-time score reads 0-0. Morata could have had a couple for Spain after having two clear sights of goal, but Cech was in strong form on both occasions. Surely Spain's pressure will pay in the second 45 minutes here!
STATS! Spain have dominated the possession with 68%, while they have had eight attempts - four of which were on target. Czech Republic, meanwhile, managed one shot on target from their three attempts. No yellow cards to report and just the 11 fouls - it has not been that type of game.
BENCH WATCH! Spain have an embarrassment of attacking options on their bench this afternoon, with the likes of Aduriz, Thiago, Koke, Lucas Vasquez and Pedro all available for La Roja. Czech Republic, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Dockal, Skalak, Pudil and Skoda.
RESTART! Czech Republic resume the second 45 minutes in Toulouse...
... no changes from either side at the interval, which is not too much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I suspect that both managers will have alterations in mind as play develops.
POST! Almost an own goal for Czech Republic as Morata fires a low cross into the box and it hits Hubnik before hitting the outside of the post! From the resulting corner, somehow Czech Republic scramble it clear following efforts from both Nolito and Ramos!
Czech Republic are living a charmed life at the moment and Morata is just caught offside as Spain's domination of the ball continues. A Czech Republic goal would spice things up in this match.
The longer this remains 0-0, the more Czech Republic will grow in confidence. However, one Spain goal could lead to a comfortable victory. Alba again breaks down the left before delivering a super cross into the box, but there are no takers and Cech can watch it fly across and out for a throw!
Silva delivers another low cross into the Czech Republic box and Morata manages to make contact, but the striker was falling and the ball drifts wide of Cech's post. Somehow still goalless here.
MATCH PIC!
Spain boss Del Bosque has some wonderful players on his bench this afternoon and you sense that changes could be made if the score remains goalless for the next 10 minutes or so. Spain continue to dominate possession in the final third, but Czech Republic are finding a way to keep the score level.
You just get the feeling that there will be one big chance for Czech Republic in this match and it would be a real smash-and-grab if they managed to take it! So delicately poised at the moment.
CHANCE! Opportunity for Czech Republic as Hubnik meets a deep free kick inside the Spain box, but De Gea is on hand to make the save. Little reminder for Spain there!
Czech Republic again break away, but Krejci had just moved into an offside position and Spain survive what could have been a dangerous moment. Starting to open up a little bit now.
We are entering the period of the match where both managers will be considering changes. Spain are still in control, but Iniesta has a go from distance and once again it is comfortable for Cech.
BOOKING! Limbersky (Czech Republic) is booked for a late challenge on Silva.
SPAIN SUB! Aduriz for Morata is Spain's first change of the match.
Still goalless with 66 minutes on the clock in Toulouse. Spain have dominated this match for long spells, but Czech Republic are growing in confidence and will fancy their chances of creating at least one chance in the final 25 minutes or so. It is so delicately poised in this Group D clash.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Czech Republic as Gebre Selassie meets a deep cross at the far post, but somehow Fabregas clears almost on his own goal-line! Fabregas then makes another wonderful clearance as another dangerous cross arrives inside the Spain box!
Czech Republic couldn't. Could they? They are growing in confidence here!
Aduriz rises inside the Czech Republic box to meet a cross from Alba, but the striker just cannot reach the ball and the team in white manage to clear once again! Second Spain change...
... SPAIN SUB! Thiago replaces Fabregas for Spain.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for Spain as Silva sets up Alba inside the box, but Hubnik comes from nowhere to clear after Cech had been side-stepped. Wow!
Silva sends one wide of the post as Spain continue to dominate this game in the final third. Still more than 15 minutes of this Group D clash remaining. Can Czech Republic hold on?!
CZECH SUB! Lafata replaces Necid for Czech Republic.
Aduriz tries a spectacular over-head kick inside the box, but the striker's effort was wide.
Little over 10 minutes of football remaining in Toulouse and we are still level at 0-0. I am not sure how Spain are not ahead, but that is the case in this Group D clash in Toulouse!
Another half-chance for Aduriz as Spain again threaten from a cross, but the striker's header was always moving wide of the post. Aduriz has been very dangerous since entering the field.
CHANCE! Thiago has to score for Spain, but Krejci is back to make a last-ditch challenge and prevent the midfielder from firing home from close range. What a tackle there!
SPAIN SUB! Pedro replaces Nolito in Spain's final change.
Czech Republic are very deep at the moment as they continue to defend the edge of their own box and they are little over five minutes away from securing a wonderful result in their first Group D clash.
Cech comes out to collect a corner from Thiago as it remains all square in Toulouse.
Juanfran stands another cross towards the far post as Spain continue to make ground in wide positions, but Rosicky is across to make the clearance as Czech Republic prepare another change.
CZECH SUB! Sural replaces Gebre Selassie for Czech Republic.
GOAL! Spain 1-0 Czech Republic (Pique)
Breakthrough! Spain take the lead in the 87th minute of this contest as Pique rises to head a Iniesta cross into the corner of the net. It had been coming, but it is so cruel on Czech Republic here!
CZECH SUB! Rosicky is replaced by Pavelka.
We are into the first of three added minutes here.
SAVE! De Gea keeps out an effort from Darida as Czech Republic come close!
FULL-TIME: Spain 1-0 Czech Republic
So there we have it. Spain's pressure finally pays off as Pique nets in the 87th minute to ensure that the holders start Group D with all three points. Next up for the world champions is a clash with Turkey on Friday. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action once again. Until next time!
