Gerard Pique scores as Spain beat Czech Republic

Gerard Pique scored the only goal of the game as Spain picked up a hard-fought 1-0 win over Czech Republic in their first game of the ongoing Euro 2016 tournament.

La Roja came into the game as favourites and dominated possession the entire game but were unable to break a solid Czech Republic defense with goalkeeper Petr Cech in top form.

Spain came close to opening the scoring in the first half through Alvaro Morata after the Juventus player met a great cross from David Silva but could only fire in the path of Petr Cech. It was the best chance of a first 45 minutes that lacked a major goal scoring chance.

Spain increased their urgency in the second half and came very close to scoring early on after Hubnik deflected a ball towards his own goal but Czech Republic will have the upright to thank as it prevented an own goal.

Vicente del Bosque introduced Aritz Aduriz for Morata in the second half and brought Thiago Alcantara. Spain kept on fighting for a goal and it eventually came in the 87th minute thanks to a Gerarad Pique header.

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta was the best player on the pitch by far and he made a superb cross which met the head of his club teammate Gerard Pique to beat the helpless Petr Cech, it turned out to be the only goal of the game but what made so thanks to David De Gea who made a superb save to deny the equalizer from Hubnik late on. Spain are now joint top of group D with 3 points along with Croatia.