- Late Victory for Spain, Ireland & Sweden Draw -
Spain’s game against the Czech Republic looked to be heading for a goalless draw, but Pique’s header in the 87th minute gave Spain the late victory. In Group E, Sweden and Ireland played to a 1-1 draw.
uefa euro 2016 - group d
| Spain | 1 - 0 | Czech Republic |
|---|---|---|
| Pique 87' |
The defending European Champions made their debut in UEFA Euro 2016 against the Czech Republic. The Spaniards were the dominating side in the first half and were denied by Petr Cech on many occasions. The Arsenal goalie made tremendous saves to keep the score 0-0 into halftime. Spain continued to control the pace of the game and pressed in the Czech’s half. Against the run of play, the Czech Republic came very close to opening the score from two great opportunities off set plays. The match was heading for a goalless draw, before Iniesta’s cross was put away by Pique’s header, giving Spain the 1-0 lead in the 87th minute. Despite a late chance from the Czech Republic in stoppage time, the goal was enough to give the defending champions all three points in their opening match of UEFA Euro 2016. Spain sits on 3 points along with Croatia in Group D, while the Czech Republic each have 0 points.
uefa euro 2016 - group e
| Ireland | 1 - 1 | Sweden |
|---|---|---|
| Hoolahan 48' | Clark (og) 71' |
The Irish came out the locker-rooms firing, keeping Sweden pinned back into their own half for the majority of the first half. The best chance fell to Hendrick, whose long range shot rattled the crossbar. The Irish did not let up in the second half, and two minutes after the restart Hoolahan gave the Greens the lead. Coleman picked out Hoolahan and the Irish midfielder’s half volley found the back of the net. Sweden came close to quick equalizer but Forsberg’s close range shot went over the bar. Sweden pressed on for the tying goal and it came in the 70th minute from an own goal by Ireland’s defender, Clark. Ibrahimovic’s dangerous cross was met by Clark’s header, who attempted to clear the ball, but found his own net. A chance for either side in the final 20 minutes went to waste and the game ended in a 1-1 draw. After Italy’s victory of Belgium, the two teams sit tied for 2nd in Group E, on 1 point. Panathinaikos' Marcus Berg was in Sweden's starting XI and played for 60 minutes while Olympiacos’ Jimmy Durmaz did not receive any playing time.
Image Source: telegraph.co.uk
