It took Spain 87 minutes and 18 shots to finally break down the Czech Republic in Toulouse.
But there is no doubt that Gerard Pique’s late winner was thoroughly deserved for the defending champions, who began their Euro 2016 with their third 1-0 victory in four competitive matches.
GOOOOOOOOAAAALLLL!!! Pique heads in what could be a late winner! #Euro2016 https://t.co/QZQD4H4EkJ
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 13, 2016
Nolito, David Silva, Alvaro Morata, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Aritz Aduriz and Sergio Ramos had all tried and failed to beat Petr Cech, before Pique’s header struck gold.
The Barcelona centre-back latched onto a fine clipped cross from club teammate Iniesta to powerfully head home.
Although Spain were well worth their three points, it does seem clear that they are lacking in the striking department.
If they are to go deep in France, they may well need to keep finding goals from defence and midfield.
Spain are now joint-top of Group D, along with Croatia.
Next up for Vicente del Bosque’s men is a clash with Turkey in Nice on Friday.