Stadium Municipal, Toulouse, Group D
Spain 1- 0 Czech Republic
Spain is looking to defend their title, and to win the competition for the third time in a row. They’ve fallen a few spot on the rankings, but their domestic league will tell us that this team is still quality.
They are the teams in Group D that won their qualification groups to get to the 2016 European Championship. Advancing from this group is an expected in their objectives in the 2016 Euros.
Spain were the favorites and played like favorites. The Czech Republic had the safe hands of Petr Cech to keep the team from going down and under to the relentless attacking sextuplets of the Spain.
After relentless pressure from Spain, they found a way to beat Cech and Czech in the 87th minute. Gerard Pique’s header in the 87th minute was what split the teams. Andres Iniesta’s vision, composure, and cross into Czech Republic’s penalty box created the opportunity for his Barcelona teammate to put a well-placed header at the end of it.
It was a win that put Spain on the right track to defend their title. It was a loss that the Czech Republic can not allow the team to repeat in their next match.
Spain takes on Turkey, a side in need of a win to secure safety. The Czech Republic faces a Croatian side that is looking for a second win to make their road to the Round of 16 clearer.
Group D will be decided with a win for Spain and Croatia. It will advance both teams to the knockout stage and it will eliminate Turkey and Czech Republic.
As it stands.
| Group D | |||||||
| Team | Played | Win | Loss | Draw | GF | GA | Points |
| Croatia | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Spain | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Czech Republic | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Turkey | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
