Pique sinks Czech

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.

In the day’s other game, an own goal from Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark gave Sweden a 1-1 draw with the Republic of Ireland. 

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.

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 as the Spaniards edged closer.

When Iniesta picked up a mis-hit clearance just outside the area to set up Morata, the Juventus striker feinted before flashing a low drive wide of Cech's far post on the half hour.

A counter-attack involving Czech captain Tomas Rosicky gave Tomas Necid the chance to test De Gea from the edge of the area but the 'keeper saved comfortably.

Spain finally made the breakthrough three minutes from the end, but at the death they had Dea Gea to thank for keeping out a dangerous shot by Vladimir Darida.

In the day’s other game, Wes Hoolahan's goal at the start had sparked scenes of joy amongst the Irish supporters at the Stade de France and it looked like Martin O'Neill's men would pick up their first points at a European Championship finals in 28 years and their first ever competitive win over Sweden.

But Sweden heaped pressure on the Irish goal and Clark suffered the anguish of costing his side two vital points when he headed Zlatan Ibrahimovic's cross into his own net.

Ireland worked tirelessly to try and take three points from their easiest-looking Group E fixture and deny Ibrahimovic the chance to make his mark on the tournament, but a tenacious first-half performance gave way to a tired final quarter and Sweden capitalised.