TOULOUSE, France, June 13: Gerard Pique finally broke down the Czech Republic's stubborn defense with a goal in the 87th minute to give Spain a 1-0 victory in the opening match of its European Championship title defense on Monday.

Pique ran behind the defenders and calmly headed the ball into the net after a well-placed left-flank cross by Andres Iniesta to give Spain the Group D victory.

The two-time defending champions had created a series of scoring chances throughout the match at the Stadium de Toulouse but looked set to being denied victory by a brilliant performance from Czech Republic goalkeeper Petr Cech.

The Czechs had a great chance to break the deadlock in the 65th minute but Cesc Fabregas saved Spain with a goal-line clearance after a header by Theodor Gebre Selassie.

 
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