Spain – Czech Republic

Spain and Czech Republic will square off in the second match of Group D, with the reigning European champions hoping to start their campaign on a positive note.

Spain is on the back of an absolutely horrid performance against Georgia, a 0-1 defeat in Madrid which spread worry across the nation. It was obviously just a friendly and Spain’s first defeat in 12 matches – a defeat that also came after two convincing wins over South Korea (6-1) and Bosnia (3-1). Players were keen to avoid injuries and did not try their best. But Spain played so, so poorly in that match, forcing people to remember that the current squad is not quite up to par with the one that dominated football between 2008 and 2012.

The Czech Republic won a qualifying group that featured Turkey, Iceland and Netherlands, so that is a marvelous achievement in itself. However, it must be noted that Czech Republic claimed the first place due to beating those three teams in the first 4 rounds. Czech Republic was not too impressive since the early rounds in that group and allowed no less than 14 goals despite winning first. Defense has been a real problem for the Czech, as their offensive style of play makes them leaky at the back. Czech Republic kept a single clean sheet in the last two and a half years (!!), that means 22 matches – and it was against Malta.

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Team news & lineups:

Morata struggled with fitness for Spain, but he has been declared fit and I believe he will start, as this Czech Republic team is perfect for him to have an impact. De Gea will most likely be left out due to personal issues. Dockal is questionable for Czech Republic.

Spain: Casillas – Alba, Ramos, Pique, Juanfran – Koke, Busquets, Iniesta – Silva, Morata, Nolito

Czech Republic: Cech – Kaderabek, Kadlec, Sivok, Limbersky – Plasil, Darida – Kolar, Rosicky, Krejci – Necid

Spain`s apparent demise is perfectly showcased by the fact that ‘La Furia Roja’ has to choose from a Juventus substitute and a 35 year old Athletic Bilbao striker up front. Morata and Aduriz are both very good players, but none of them compares to David Villa or Fernando Torres at their best. Nevertheless, Spain has been able to bang in the goals over the past year or so, mostly due to Fabregas and Iniesta creating opportunities. Against a team like the Czech Republic, which has serious issues at the back, Spain should be able to manufacture opportunities and score a couple of goals.

I wouldn`t count out Czech Republic though, this is a team that poses a serious offensive threat and against a Spain team that is not quite a dominant force anymore, I believe the underdogs can and will score at least a goal. After all, Spain kept a clean sheet in just one of the 5 matches played in 2016.

It must be said that Czech Republic lost against Korea Republic 1-2 right after Spain handed the Asians a 6-1 loss in the pre – Euro 2016 friendlies. While those friendlies are never relevant, you can`t help but feel that Spain will win this game in the end. As such, my tip here is Spain to win and over 2,5 goals to be scored in the match. I`ll stake 6 units on the bet, seems fair. Prediction: Spain – Czech Republic 2-1.

Pick: Spain to win and over 2,5 goals
Odds: 2.45 @ Bet365
Stake: 6
Possible profit: 8.70
Event date: 13 June