Cech proud of Czech Republic performance despite Spain loss
“We had a little hiccup with the centre-forwards, but in the end we won”.
Many thought that Cech was past his prime when Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho allowed him to move to Arsenal last season.
David Silva made his 100th senior appearance for Spain.
Spain’s Gerard Pique celebrates after scoring against Czech Republic.
Morata hit the upright and Nolito and Sergio Ramos had shots blocked as the Czech Republic’s defending became desperate.
Silva, 30, has many more years in the tank and proved his worth to the team while Cesc Fabregas endured a frustrating afternoon.
It was Spain’s first win in the opening match of a major tournament since beating Russian Federation 4-1 at Euro 2008.
Czech, however, was well-positioned to block the Juventus striker’s first time effort from close range.
The second-half began in the same manner as a wayward clearance nearly made its way past Petr Cech, but the score remained level.
Spain are now tied with Croatia on three points, and face Turkey in their next group stage match. The team’s lone chance in the first half came when Tomas Necid’s shot drew a save by De Gea in injury time.
Pique ran behind the defenders and headed the ball into the net after a well-placed crossing pass by Andres Iniesta in the 87th minute.
Well you’d have to say Czech Republic would have to produce a Leicester City-esque campaign if they’re to be crowned the champions of Europe.
Asked by Spanish TV channel Telecinco whether he had personally explained the decision to Casillas before that game, La Roja coach said that was not his way of doing things, although he admitted the final call had been hard to make.
Spain’s build-up to the tournament was rocked last week when reports claimed goalkeeper De Gea had been involved in a sex scandal.
After the game Pique revealed his relief.
We created a lot of chances and we hope finishing will not be a problem. “I was lucky to score, but the whole team were phenomenal”. We tried to attack with order and make the pitch as big as possible.
“It was a great ball from Iniesta. Now we will wait on the second game”. Iniesta whipped in a floated delivery and the Barcelona defender beat the offside trap to head past Cech.
“This is our path”, he told Telecinco.
De Gea has denied the allegations, which came as a shock to many in the soccer world because the Manchester United player hasn’t been known to attract controversy. It is our way.
Vrba added, “We knew these opponents would be very strong; they were favorites”.
“We have played many games like this before. You have to defend very well”.
Del Bosque was equally calm about how flat his men appeared in the final third, and echoed Iniesta’s determination to stick with the patient style.
Pique, venturing upfield to lend some last-minute aerial help, leapt highest to nod home unmarked three minutes from time to deliver the three points.
Vrba said: “It’s disappointing to concede a goal so late”. We could have scored ourselves, which doesn’t often happen against Spain.
“We have the responsibility to win and not just play nicely”.