Gerard Pique headed past an impressive Petr Cech as the defending champions had to dig deep to get their title defense with a winning start as their dominance in possession was finally rewarded in the 87th minute.
Pique was in position to head home the winner from close range off Andres Iniesta’s in swinging cross late in the game to send Vicente Del Bosque’s team level on points with Croatia in group D.
The first half was relatively quiet and although Spain dominated possession , they created only a few chances and Petr Cech was well equipped to deal with all of them. Alvaro Morata’s shot was saved after he was played in by David Silva who was making his 100th appearance for the la roja.
David De Gea was merely a spectator in the first half and only made his first save just before the break comfortably saving from Necid.
Vicente Del Bosque changed his striker just after halftime and incoming Adiz Aduriz became the oldest spanish player to appear at the European Championships at the age of 35.
Spain created several more chances , David Silva and Aduriz were involved in the most of Spain’s attack and it looked like Czech Republic may hold on to what seemed like a vital point until Pique broke the deadlock. He headed in an Iniesta cross from the left to give his side vital 3 points.
As David De gea has done all season with Manchester United , he did the same with his national team as well, saving a potential last gasp goal from Vladimir Darida.
Spain now play Turkey next as they continue their bid for an unprecedented third consecutive European title.
