Date: 13th June 2016 at 8:00am
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Defending European champions Spain kick-off their EURO 2016 in Monday’s early clash against Czech Republic inside Toulouse’s Stadium Municipal in Group D.

Vicente del Bosque’s men have not lost a match at a European Championship finals since June 20, 2004 – meanwhile their last competitive defeat in all competitions came back in October 2014, as well.

Despite Spain shockingly losing their final pre-tournament warm-up game against Georgia on Tuesday, who are ranked 137th in the world, the two-time defending champions should not be automatically ruled out of going all the way this summer in France.

Meanwhile Czech Republic enter EURO 2016 in concerning form having won just twice in their last six outings.

Their defensive frailties will also lift the Red Fury’s attacking options’ spirits considering the opposition failed to record a single clean sheet during qualifying, despite topping Group A ahead of surprise runners-up Iceland and play-off victors Turkey.

In fact, Czech Republic conceded the most goals (14) out of all the teams participating at the tournament this summer.

The last competitive meeting between these two countries saw the European champions prevail victorious, with Juan Mata and Xabi Alonso scoring to seal a 2-0 win during qualification for EURO 2012 back in 2011.

Monday’s tie in Toulouse will be the first encounter between the two countries in a major tournament.

Spain, who became the first team to win back-to-back European titles four years ago, reached the final the last time the tournament was hosted in France – although they eventually lost 2-0 to the hosts.

The Red Fury also boast an impressive defensive record too, having not conceded a single goal in their last 510 minutes at a European Championship finals – the longest run in the history of the tournament.

As for the Czechs, this year’s participation continues their strong streak of qualifying for every single European Championship finals since their independence (1992).

Plus; Pavel Vrba’s men have an exceptional group stage record, having won seven of their last 10 group games at European Championship finals, scoring in each of their last 11 fixtures.

7/1/2013 FIFA Ballon D'Or 2012. Vincente del Bosque poses with the Ballon D'Or after being awarded the coach of the year trophy. Photo: Offside / L'Equipe.

Spain boss Del Bosque – Photo: Offside / L’Equipe.

Team News:

Spain boss Del Bosque has hinted that goalkeeper David de Gea will start, despite recent controversy over an alleged sex party scandal. Otherwise, the manager has no injury worries.

Forward Alvaro Morata is fit after missing their warm-up match against Georgia with a thigh injury, while Manchester City midfielder David Silva could win his 100th cap.

Midfielder Borek Dockal will face a late fitness test with an ankle problem, but he is still expected to feature for Czech Republic.

However, centre-half Marek Suchy is suspended for Monday’s opener, meaning either Michal Kadlec or Roman Hubnik will deputise at the back for Vrba’s side.

FIFA World Ranking: Spain – 6th; Czech Rep – 30th
Best European Championship Finish: Spain – Winners (1964, 2008, 2012); Czech Rep – Winners (1976)
Previous Meeting: Czech Rep 0-2 Spain – October 7, 2011 (EURO 2012 qualfying)
Form: Spain – WDDWWL; Czech Rep – LLDWWL
Key Men: Spain – Alvaro Morata; Czech Rep – Petr Cech
Shoot Says: Spain 2-0 Czech Rep

 
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