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 in Toulouse on Monday.
Spain’s build-up to the tournament was rocked last week when reports claimed goalkeeper David De Gea had been involved in a sex scandal.
But coach Vicente del Bosque showed his faith in the Manchester United shot-stopper by handing him the gloves ahead of legendary Iker Casillas.
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 goalkeeper 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 Andre Iniesta’s cross towards the back post where he beat Cech in the 87th minute.
