Pique header beats resolute Czechs

TOULOUSE, June 13

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique headed a late winner as defending champions Spain overcame a resolute and determined Czech Republic 1-0 in their Group D opener.

Czech coach Pavel Vrba had suggested his men could produce a trick or two to counter the “genius” of Del Bosque's side, who are desperate to make amends for their first-round exit, as defending champions, at the 2014 World Cup.

But after a nervous opening period on a rain-soaked pitch, Vrba's men had Arsenal ‘keeper Petr Cech to thank for saving them during a Spanish masterclass. Spain were frustrated throughout by the Czechs' stubborn defensive game, which finally fell apart when Pique got his head to Iniesta's cross towards the back post where he beat Cech in the 87th minute. It took Spain until the 16th minute to fashion their first real chance, right-back Juanfran sending David Silva through on the right flank for the Manchester City man to fire in a perfect delivery for Morata. Cech, however, was well positioned to block the Juventus striker's first-timer from close range. — AFP