Spain beat Czech Republic 1-0 thanks to late Pique header
AFP - [email protected]
Published: 13 Jun, 2016 CET.
Updated: Mon 13 Jun 2016 17:01 CET
Spain got their bid for a third consecutive European Championship off to a winning start 1-0 over a dogged Czech Republic thanks to Barcelona defender Gerard Pique's header three minutes from time.
A profligate Spain seemed set to be denied by heroics from Czech Republic captain Petr Cech. The Arsenal goalkeeper made fine first-half saves from Alvaro Morata, Jordi Alba and David Silva, whilst Czech defender Roman Hubnik turned a cross against his own post after the break.
However, the holders' pressure finally paid off when Pique - often booed by Spain fans this season for controversial anti-Real Madrid comments - nodded home Andres Iniesta's cross at the back post.
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A profligate Spain seemed set to be denied by heroics from Czech Republic captain Petr Cech. The Arsenal goalkeeper made fine first-half saves from Alvaro Morata, Jordi Alba and David Silva, whilst Czech defender Roman Hubnik turned a cross against his own post after the break.
However, the holders' pressure finally paid off when Pique - often booed by Spain fans this season for controversial anti-Real Madrid comments - nodded home Andres Iniesta's cross at the back post.
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