Spain v Czech Republic

Spain will look to start rebuilding their reputation on the international stage when they take on the Czech Republic in their opening game of the European Championship.

Posted Monday, June 13, 2016 by Goal.com

La Furia Roja went into the 2014 World Cup on the back of winning three major tournaments in a row, the 2008 and 2012 Euros sandwiching their 2010 World Cup triumph, but were a huge disappointment in Brazil after failing to advance past the group stage of the competition.

Vicente del Bosque's side have looked inconsistent and unpredictable in the lead-up to the Euros, with impressive 3-1 and 6-1 wins against Bosnia and Korea Republic respectively overshadowed by the disappointing draw with Romania and an inexplicable 1-0 loss to Georgia.

However, Del Bosque is confident his team will have more than enough about themselves to win an unprecedented third consecutive European Championship title.

"[The opening game] is very special and one with a lot of responsibility, increasing from day to day, but we will see if we are at the level we deserve," he told reporters.

"I think we have managed to get into good shape despite the hard season. The players joined the squad in various stages. They are OK and they get along. Let's see if we can show that tomorrow."

Czech Republic head coach Pavel Vrba is well aware of the task that awaits his players against one of the best nations in Europe.

"To succeed we will have to do everything right as we are going to face one of the biggest favourites for the tournament," Vrba said.

"They have world-class players in every position; we have a very difficult test in front of us. But I still think there are things that could surprise them."

After allowing the players from Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid extended breaks before joining the rest of the squad, Spain has no injury concerns ahead of the match.

Defender Marek Suchy is the only player ruled out for the Czechs and he misses out because of a suspension.