Spain coach Vicente del Bosque hailed his defending champions, including benched captain Iker Casillas, after a Euro 2016 masterclass that left the Czech Republic on the wrong end of a 1-0 Group D defeat yesterday, reports AFP. Spain, crowned European champions in 2008 and 2012, are looking to become the first team to win the competition three times in succession.
But on a rain-soaked pitch in windy Toulouse, 'La Roja' were frustrated until Gerard Pique headed Andres Iniesta's prefect back-post delivery past Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech in the 87th minute.
Having lost the chance to defend their World Cup crown in 2014 when they exited the competition at the first hurdle, Del Bosque was more than happy with a result that he says sets them up well for further group games against Turkey and Croatia.
"Winning this game was important for us," said Del Bosque. "We've got the three points, but we also had a grip for most of the game.
"We want to finish first in the group, if possible, and this has given us the spur we need and will give us a bit more optimism for the campaign."
Having been booed by Spain fans earlier this season following anti-Real Madrid comments, Pique was the unlikely hero, although, it was his Barcelona teammate Iniesta's superb delivery on top of an all-round, customary brilliant performance that won him the man-of-the-match award.
Del Bosque preferred to concentrate on his side's display as a whole, adding: "Iniesta played well, but this is not the time to speak about individuals."
But the wily Spaniard was quick to comment on Casillas, who in spite of helping Spain to their previous two titles and a World Cup trophy in 2010, spent the game on the substitutes bench. Del Bosque instead gave the nod to Manchester United 'keeper David De Gea, a gesture that was regarded as a show of support after reports last week linked the 25-year-old to a sex scandal.
Del Bosque refused to confirm whether De Gea would start against Turkey on June 17, perhaps leaving the door open for Casillas when he said: "Iker's behaviour was exemplary, even from the bench he's a valuable player for us.