On a wet and windy day in Toulouse an 87th minute header from Gerard Pique broke a resolute Czech defence, who had Petr Cech to thank for keeping the Spaniards at bay for so long.
Both halves were played predominantly in the Czech defensive areas, as La Furia Roja’s possession football suffocated their opponents. While Vincente del Bosque’s men would create a plethora of chances, it took until late in the contest for the deadlock to be broken.
SPAIN 1 CZECH REPUBLIC 0
The Republic of Ireland and Sweden both took a share of the spoils following a 1-1 result at the Stade de France on Monday.
Norwich City midfielder Wes Hoolahan scored the game’s opener with a perfectly executed half-volley shortly after the break, however Ciaran Clark inadvertently sent the ball into the back of his own net following a Zlatan Ibrahimovic cross in the 71st minute to level the scores.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND 1 SWEDEN 1
Goals to Emanuele Giaccherini and Graziano Pelle sealed a 2-0 win for Italy over a lacklustre Belgium at the Stade de Lyon.
The Red Devils were seen as heavy favourites heading into the clash but were undone by the street-smart Italians.
Marc Wilmots’ side missed a number of presentable chances to compound issues, raising question marks over their ability to truly match it with truly top-line talent.
BELGIUM 0 ITALY 2
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