Euro 2016: Late Pique header hands Spain winning start
AFP
Jun 13, 2016 00:17 MYT
Jun 13, 2016 00:17 MYT
Spain's defender Gerard Pique (C, top) gestures in celebration after scoring during the Euro 2016 group D football match between Spain and CzechRepublic at the Stadium Municipal in Toulouse on June 13, 2016. - AFP photo / Pascal PAVANI
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.