Two time defending champions Spain begin their Euro 2016 campaign against the Czech Republic in Toulouse. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 11pm AEST.
Despite a poor showing at the World Cup two years ago, Spain remain arguably the most successful national team over the past decade, winning three major international titles during a magnificent four year period between 2008 and 2012.
Two Euro championships and a World Cup triumph in between was just reward for a Spain team that stood head and shoulders above all others in the international arena.
For all their domination however, Spain’s aura as a superpower has slipped substantially following a poor World Cup campaign in Brazil. Throw in a surprising defeat to minnows Georgia recently and there is enough evidence to suggest that they will not be defending their Euro title this time around.
With that said, Spain still possess a wonderful squad with steel in defence and playmaking quality from the midfield and up.
Manchester United’s David de Gea and Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos headline a Spanish defence that will prove very difficult to break down if both these players are at their best.
In midfield, the class of Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, Koke and Thiago will keep the Czech Republic guessing as they aim to shut down some of the most elegant footballers in the world.
If the Spanish do have one weakness however, it is an inability to hit teams on the break quickly. Spain like to control possession but sometimes their play bares very little fruit against well organised defensive teams. Georgia defended stoutly last week and were able to produce a shock result. Switzerland did the same thing when they defeated Spain at the 2010 World Cup.
The Czechs will no doubt play on the counter tonight and hope that veteran Petr Cech and seasoned star Tomas Rosicky will be able to guide them to an historic upset.
Spain though will be eager to secure the win given that sterner tests against Croatia and Turkey await in a pretty difficult group.
While the Czech Republic could withstand an onslaught for a half or so, Spain possess the class required to secure a good win.
Spain to win 2-0
Alan
Roar Guru
A fascinating contest sees Spain secure a well deserved 1 nil victory over a gallant Czech Republic team that proved very difficult to break down for 80 odd minutes. Iniesta played very well and it was no surprise to see him turn provider for Pique to head home truly. The Czech Republic had their chances as well, particularly from set pieces, but De Gea and company produced some great defensive play to keep them at bay. Spain off to a winning start at Euro but I feel they will need to offer more in attack to trouble more dangerous foes such as Croatia... Spain 1 Czech Republic 0
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Spain 1 Czech Republic 0
Alan
Roar Guru
The Czech Republic with their most promising play of the night as a ball is controlled nicely in the area and the volley is well struck but the ball goes straight at De Gea who stands firm and blocks the shot! Goodness me! Spain 1 Czech Republic 0
Alan
Roar Guru
92' - Well the Czech Republic really haven't threatened severely enough in open play. They have only been really threatening during set pieces and could have very easily had a goal if it wasn't for some great intervention by Busquests on his goal line. One minute remains. Spain now defending as expected. De Gea with a massive save!!!!! CHANCE CZECH REPUBLIC Spain 1 Czech Republic 0
Alan
Roar Guru
90' - Now time for Spain to absorb some pressure. They are not committing numbers forward now that's for sure! They hold on to possession though. Spain 1 Czech Republic 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Great ball from Iniesta and Pique does the rest with his head! Vital goal for Spain who deserve it on the balance of play! Finally! Czech resistance broken but not without a fight! Spain 1 Czech Republic 0
Alan
Roar Guru
86' - Spain continue to probe. The Czech's continue to withstand pressure. Pique scores!!!!!! GOAL SPAIN Spain 1 Czech Republic 0
Alan
Roar Guru
84' - Iniesta again pulling strings nicely as he finds Pedro but once again the Czech defence with bodies in the way. Cech gathers the corner. Spain 0 Czech Republic 0
Alan
Roar Guru
82' - Spain trying to squeeze passes through a solid Czech wall. They just lack the speed and a genuine talent like Messi, Neymar or Suarez to trouble the opposition. Pedro is on for Spain. Spain 0 Czech Republic 0
Alan
Roar Guru
79' - Good cross in for Aduriz but the striker doesn't get enough of his head on the ball as his effort goes wide... Spain 0 Czech Republic 0
Alan
Roar Guru
77' - Spain continue to probe. No results. Draw looking likely now. Time becoming an enemy for the Spanish. The Czech's by and large have defended very well Spain 0 Czech Republic 0
Alan
Roar Guru
75' - Lafata comes on for Necid as the Czech's make their first change of the night. They continue to stand firm the Czech's. Spain 0 Czech Republic 0
Alan
Roar Guru
CHANCE SPAIN Silva now with time and space sets up the ball nicely with his right foot and strikes with his left but the effort is wide...well wide! Should have done better Spain 0 Czech Republic 0
Alan
Roar Guru
CHANCE SPAIN Ball played in to Alba but his touch lets him down and the Czech defence clears yet again! Great ball from Silva! Goodness me Alba with better control should have scored Spain 0 Czech Republic 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Right on cue. Thiago comes on for Fabregas. Good change. Spain 0 Czech Republic 0
Alan
Roar Guru
69' - Nolito having a frustrating game. He just can't get a shot away in decent position. Alba with another good cross that is expertly dealt with by the Czech defence Spain 0 Czech Republic 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Spain have survived some very nervous moments during set piece time. The one area where the Czech Republic are asking big questions. The Czech's slowly growing into the game now. Spain 0 Czech Republic 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Great delivery to the far post and Busquets saves the day for Spain as he clears the header off the line as the ball was waiting to be tapped in!!!! Spain 0 Czech Republic 0
Alan
Roar Guru
65' - Spain might secure a narrow win today but their performance thus far shows me why they won't win this edition of Euro. Spain do lack a cutting edge in attack. They miss David Villa upfront. Corner for the Czech Republic. CHANCE CZECH REPUBLIC Spain 0 Czech Republic 0
Alan
Roar Guru
62' - Spain constantly forced wide when in possession. Spain with some space now to attack. Need more speed though. Thiago has to come on soon for me. Lucas Vasquez is another that could bring Spain to life. Ball forward too long for Morata who is now off for Aduriz. Spain 0 Czech Republic 0