Spain passed the Czech Republic into submission as they recorded a 1-0 victory in the second match from Group D.
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.
A lofted ball from the outstanding Andres Iniesta found Pique at the far post, whose cushioned header broke Czech hearts.
The Republic offered little going forward and their best chance fell for Vladimir Darida in second-half added time, yet his strike was straight at David De Gea.
Spain
David De Gea – 7: Made three saves, all directly at him.
Jordi Alba – 7: His pace down the left-flank caused the Czech Republic all kinds of problems. Had little defending to do.
Gerard Pique – 7.5: Goal scorer and game winner who will remember this match for the ease in which he achieved his defensive duties.
Sergio Ramos – 7.5: Played almost as a central midfielder, such was how high he was up the pitch. Distributed well.
Juanfran – 6.5: Looked dangerous in the first-half, but was quiet in the latter stages.
Sergio Busquets – 6: Broke up play well and moved the ball to his more creative midfielders and forwards.
Andres Iniesta – 9.5: The key for Spain. His vision generated the only goal and his passing ability could have seen at least three more.
Cesc Fabregas – 6: A goal line clearance was his days highlight. Passed well but was not inventive enough.
David Silva – 7: The more dangerous of the wingers, though he was missing his shooting boots.
Alvaro Morata – 7: Put himself about and gave the Czech defence headaches, but lacked the killer touch and was substituted on the hour.
Nolito – 6: Too often turned into trouble, yet was a danger when on the ball.
Substitutes
Aritz Aduriz – 6: Looked to be the big man in the box that Morata could not be. Tried an audacious overhead kick, albeit from an offside position.
Thiago Alcantara – 5: Did little in his 20-minute cameo.
Pedro Rodriguez – N/A: Only played the final eight minutes.
Czech Republic
Petr Cech – 9: Without Cech this could have been a bloodbath. Showed why he is still one of the best goalkeepers in world football.
David Limbersky – 6: Was constantly under pressure from Silva and Juanfran. Beaten to the ball too often.
Tomas Sivok – 7.5: Played Morata so well. Watched the movement of the Spanish forward and held him off.
Roman Hubnik – 7: Strong performance from the middle. Almost scored an own goal, but was one of only three Czech players to have a shot at the Spanish net.
Pavel Kaderabek – 6.5: Watched Nolito like a hawk and monitored his movement.
Jaroslav Plasil – 5.5: Had the unenviable task of marking Iniesta, who made him look average.
Vladimir Darida – 5: Did lots of running, as is to be expected, but little else.
Ladislav Krejci – 4.5: Did not help as much defensively as his opposite winger and was not able to get past Juanfran.
Tomas Rosicky – 5: Spent most of his game defending, thus could not be a creative outlet going forward.
Theodor Gebre Selassie – 6.5: Was his side’s main outlet to move on attack. Battled well all day.
Tomas Necid – 4.5: Had no impact as the lone striker with his side so defensive.
Substitutes
David Lafata – 4: Did not do anything in his 15 minutes.
Josef Sural – N/A – Came on with five minutes remaining.
David Pavelka – N/A – Did not get time to touch the ball
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