Spain vs Czech Republic Euro 2016 LIVE: Gerard Pique scores late goal for Spain

Follow the latest news from today's Group D meeting

Gerard Pique turns to celebrate heading in the winning goal in Spain's 1-0 victory over Czech Republic (Getty)

Welcome to the Independent's live coverage of today's Group D meeting between Spain and Czech Republic.

• Gerard Pique's 87th-minute header secures 1-0 victory for Spain
• Czech Republic see David Lafata's last-minute effort saved
• David De Gea picked to start in goal ahead of Iker Casillas
• Defending champions Spain looking to win third title in a row
• Tomas Rosicky and Petr Cech start for Czech Republic

Follow the latest news below...

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[13 June 2016 13:34 · Sam Dymond]

Spain have travelled to Toulouse in great number. 

[13 June 2016 14:17 · Sam Dymond]

15 mins: The first chance of the game is so typically Spain. Juanfran took control on the right wing, and fed a ball into space for the overlapping David Silva. The Manchester City midfielder crossed first time on the run towards the near post where Morata arrived with a similar instinctive touch; either side of Petr Cech and the European Champions would have the lead, but thankfully for Cech and the Czechs, it cannoned into the welcoming arms of the goalkeeper.

 

Orbinho

@Orbinho

Morata has hit the goalkeeper twice - should fit in well at Arsenal.

2:16 PM - 13 Jun 2016

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[13 June 2016 14:23 · Sam Dymond]

20 mins: The 20th minute of this match is marked by a Spain corner, their second in quick succession and one from which Gerard Pique nearly engineers a heading chance for himself. However, the stage marks a more significant moment for Tomas Rosicky, who has now played more football for Czech Republic at these Championships than he did for Arsenal in all of last season's Premier League.

[13 June 2016 14:27 · Sam Dymond]

23 mins: David Silva takes drops deep into midfield, takes control of a short pass, turns briskly away from his marker and looks for the run of a striker to play a pass over the top to. He doesn't get one, and instead looks wistful at the thought of Sergio Aguero.

[13 June 2016 16:56 · Sam Dymond]

The players of Sweden and Republic of Ireland enter the Stade de France to huge ovations from their respective supporters - and while football is very much a team game, there's a feeling that this encounter could well be settled by which ever of the two world class strikers on the pitch are most effective.Shane Long versus Zlatan Ibrahimovic is up next.

[13 June 2016 17:01 · Sam Dymond]

KICK-OFF: In bright yellow sunshine, Sweden in bright yellow shirts get this Group E encounter underway, and are immediately on the attack. Ireland lost all three of their group games at Euro 2012, and there's no guesses for who they have to stop today if they want to start this tournament in the best possible manner.

 

OptaJoe

@OptaJoe

3 - Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored in each of Sweden’s last three opening games at the European Championships. Daring. #Euro2016#SWE

4:53 PM - 13 Jun 2016

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[13 June 2016 17:15 · Sam Dymond]

13 mins: The Irish are competing well in the middle of the pitch, but their distribution at the moment is leaving something to be desired. In other words, it's been bloody dreadful. 

Squawka Football

@Squawka

PASS MAP: #IRL are struggling to successfully carry out route one football.Their pass accuracy is just 47% so far.https://t.co/aUxEEuStqA

5:11 PM - 13 Jun 2016

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[13 June 2016 17:20 · Sam Dymond]

17 mins: Ireland should lead! From a Robbie Brady corner on the left, Ciaran Clark got up highest to head across goal and there, at the far post, was his centre-back partner John O'Shea. All the Sunderland defender had to do was poke home, but somehow he failed to make proper contact with the ball, instead steering the chance feebly wide. You feel it won't be the last time the Irish threaten from a set-piece.

[13 June 2016 17:22 · Sam Dymond]

21 mins: Zlatan Ibrahimovic drills a 30-yard free-kick into the Ireland wall. So far Robbie Brady is winning the battle of the set-pieces.

[13 June 2016 18:58 · Sam Dymond]