Czech Republic vs Croatia - Tomas Rosicky urges young Czechs to cope with big-game pressure

Czech Republic captain Tomas Rosicky has urged the team's younger players not to be overawed by opponents if they are to progress at Euro 2016.

A late 1-0 defeat to defending champions Spain in their opening fixture was a blow after a resolute defensive display but Rosicky believes it provided an important learning experience for the youngsters.

"We were telling everybody there's no reason to be disappointed, because we gave Spain an incredibly hard time," said the 35-year-old, who became his country's oldest participant at the European Championship having already set the record for the youngest player 16 years ago.

"But they sometimes have to go through these things themselves. They've never played against players like (Andres) Iniesta. They've only seen these players on TV. That's the difference.

"These young players were very surprised about playing against world-class players.

"They have to go through it. It is part of the development of a footballer, and they have to be more self-confident if we are going to hurt big opponents."

Next up in Group D are Croatia, winners over Turkey in their opening match.

"It'll be a hard match, against another very technical team," added Rosicky in a press conference.

"It will be very similar to the Spain game, because Croatia's quality is huge, but we're glad to have the chance to show more in an attacking way."

Victory for Croatia would put them through to the knockout stage.

Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic believes the game is pivotal for them as Spain await in their final match.

"It's our key game," he said.

"If we win we go to the second round and I hope we can play as we did against Turkey.

"The players will all give 100 per cent and the atmosphere within the team is great, they all get together and we're really good.

"We watched the Czechs against Spain. They are very well organised and the best player they have is Rosicky.

"We have to play the best we can."