Spain defender Gerard Pique celebrates after scoring against the Czech Republic in Toulouse on June 13, 2016 -AFP photo
TOULOUSE, FRANCE: Spain got their bid for a third consecutive European Championship off to a winning start against 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, while 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 to secure a 1-0 win. -AFP