Euro 2016: Gerard Pique hands Spain heady victory

Spain defender Juanfran (right) controls the ball as he is marked by Czech Republic midfielder Ladislav Krejci in their Group D match at the Stadium Municipal in Toulouse on Monday. Spain won 1-0. (Photo: AFP)

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique headed a late winner as defending champions Spain overcame a resolute and determined Czech Republic 1-0 in their Group D opener in Toulouse on Monday.

Spain’s build-up to the tournament was rocked last week when reports claimed goalkeeper De Gea had been involved in a sex scandal.

But coach Vicente del Bosque showed his faith in the Manchester United shot-stopper by handing him the gloves ahead of legendary Iker Casillas.

Czech coach Pavel Vrba had suggested his men could produce a trick or two to counter the “genius” of Del Bosque’s side, who are desperate to make amends for their first-round exit, as defending champions, at the 2014 World Cup.

But after a nervous opening period on a rain-soaked pitch, Vrba’s men had Arsenal ’keeper Petr Cech to thank for saving them during a Spanish masterclass. Spain were frustrated throughout by the Czechs’ stubborn defensive game, which finally fell apart when Pique got his head to Iniesta’s cross towards the back post where he beat Cech in the 87th minute.

It took Spain until the 16th minute to fashion their first real chance, right-back Juanfran sending David Silva through on the right flank for the Manchester City man to fire in a perfect delivery for Morata.

Cech, however, was well positioned to block the Juventus striker’s first-timer from close range. The Czechs were defending with plenty of heart and only a desperate sliding tackle from centre-back Tomas Sivok stopped Juanfran’s short delivery reaching Morata.