Euro 2016: Italy, Spain off to bright start
– Spain have started their campaign at the Euros on a bright note
– Republic of Ireland and Sweden played a 1-1 draw in their fixture
– Italy defeated Belgium in the final game of the day
Defending Champions, Spain are on course to win their third straight European Championships as they edged stubborn 1-0 Czech Republic in their Group E opener.
The goal courtesy of a header from Pique in 87th minute gave the defending champions the all important three points of the fixture.
Spanish players celebrate their victory against Czech Republic
Spain laboured all through the match and their efforts finally payed off as man of the match, Iniesta floated a perfect-inch cross to Gerard Pique who nodded home the winner.
The Czech who had a water-tight defence will have their Petr Cech to thank as the Arsenal goalkeeper pulled series of saves from Morata, Alba and Silva only for the him to concede at the dying minutes of the encounter. It ended; Spain 1-0 Czech Republic.
In the other games of the night, Ireland and Sweden shared the spoils as their encounter ended 1-1 apiece.
However, Italy began their quest at the tourney on a spectacular fashion. The much more experienced Azzuris defeated their Belgian counterparts 2-0. Bologna forward Emanuele Giaccherini opened the scoring in the 32nd minute.
Belgium fought so hard to get the equalizer and their best chance was fluffed after Divok Origi headed wide a delicious cross in what could be described as their best chance of the night.
A sumptuous volley by Graziano Pelle in stoppage time wrapped up the game for the Italians. It ended; Italy 2-0 Belgium.
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