Group D kicks off with Turkey vs Croatia and Spain vs Czech Republic is next on the agenda.
Allegations over an involvement in a rape case alleged against Spain goalkeeper David De Gea have overshadowed the buildup to the second match in the ‘group of death’. News broke on Friday of De Gea’s alleged involvement, which the Manchester United number one has since denied, and will likely effect the team negatively going in to the match against the group underdogs.
The Czechs have flown under the radar in the buildup to the tournament despite topping their qualification group. The way in which Pavel Vrba’s side shipped goals in qualification will be a target for the Spanish and unless they can sure things up at the back, could see their chances of exiting the group stage begin to slip away.
Key Battle – Andres Iniesta vs Vladimir Darida
The hard-running Czech midfielder will have his hands full trying to contain one of the best midfielders of the past decade.
Iniesta has been a key cog to the Spanish machine which has so dominated international football in recent times, and if he plays well, La Furia Roja play well. If Iniesta can release the forwards in front of him then the Czechs will find it mighty difficult to stop the floodgates from opening.
Trying to stop him will be Darida, whose tenacity to fight for 90 minutes has the ability to cause the Spanish midfield all sorts of problems. Winning the ball back will be one of his jobs but if he can not only get the ball but distribute well then he could take his side over the line.
Team News
The allegations hanging over De Gea’s head may be key in who Vincente Del Bosque selects in goal for this match. While the coach has thrown his full support behind the 25-year-old, he has yet to give any indication as to whether he will pick him over long-standing number one Iker Casillas.
Look for Alvaro Morata to start ahead of Aritz Aduriz as the centre-forward as well as Cesc Fabregas to partner the Barcelona pair of Iniesta and Sergio Busquets in a midfield three.
The Czechs go into the match with a clean bill of health. Despite his fitness, all of the question marks will be over talismanic midfielder Tomas Rosicky. The Arsenal man only saw 20 minutes of first team action for the Gunners all season but Vrba has faith in him and will likely see him take the field from the off.
The Czechs’ other big name, and namesake, Petr Cech, will start in goal and is the only other player in this side who can match the Spaniards in name value.
Head-to-Head
The Czechs have never beaten the Spanish in four attempts. Having played in qualification matches for both the Euros and the World Cup, Spain have won three and the two have drawn once.
Previous Meeting
The last time these two sides faced off was in qualification for the last edition of the Euros. In the match played in Prague, Spain took the three points home with them thanks to goals from Juan Mata and Xabi Alonso.
Prediction
Much of this match will be won before kick-off with the mentality of the Spanish.
If Del Bosque’s side can put aside the newspaper articles and memories of their dismal performance in the 2014 World Cup then they should get passed the Czechs with ease.
Vrba’s men will not be looking to be rolled over and will battle hard, filled with the team spirit that they displayed in qualifying. Despite their efforts though, the writing is on the wall for a Spanish victory.
Spain 3 Czech Republic 0
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