Pique scores late to lead Spain past Czech Republic (updated with quotes)

Defender Gerard Pique scored a late goal to give the dominant Spain a 1-0 victory over Czech Republic in their Group D match here on Monday.

The twice defending champion had a ball possession up to 68 percent, created 14 corners and fired 17 attempts, but they just failed to turn those numerous chances into goals.

With the match more and more likely ending as a goalless draw, second half substitution Pedro Rodriguez and Andres Iniesta combined on the right before the Barcelona midfielder sent a cross towards the back post.

His teammate at Nou Camp jumped the highest and earliest to head the cross past Petr Cech, who should have earned his country a point nearly single-handedly.

Andres Iniesta proved dominant in the midfield, launching attacks wave after wave but Cech, together with their central defender Roman Hubmik, always reacted quicker to keep their goal intact.

Although contained for most of the time in their own half, the Czechs finally found their best chance in the 65th minute. A short corner and delivery gave Theodor Gebre Selassie the chance to head from a tight angle and Cesc Fabregas saved his side with a last-ditch clearance off the line.

David Silva was found in the box by another Iniesta cross in the 78th minute. The Manchester City forward cut inside and almost found the far corner with a left-footed effort.

Iniesta, who was voted Man of the Match, said, "I always try to take responsibility when I play. That's how I enjoy my football and it's no different now.

"We are happy to start with three points, and have taken a step forward."

Czech Republic head coach Pavel Vrba also singled out Iniesta to have made the difference, praising him as an "exceptional" player.

Vrba added, "We knew these opponents would be very strong; they were favorites. We knew it would be a test. Spain are better in possession, in creating chances. It's disappointing to concede a goal so late; we could have scored ourselves, which doesn't often happen against Spain. We played at our maximum level and it is a shame not to get at least a point."

Spain's head coach Vicente del Bosque was satisfied with his team's performance and denied the criticism that there are problems for his striking forces.

"We created a lot of chances, we hope finishing will not be a problem. We had the game completely under control and that's the most important thing. Everyone wants to score more goals but our style hasn't been too bad over recent years." Endit