Del Bosque full of praise for Spain's 'total team effort'

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque hailed his defending champion, including benched captain Iker Casillas, after a Euro 2016 masterclass in a 1-0 triumph over the Czech Republic in their Group D clash on Monday.

Spain, crowned European champion in 2008 and 2012, is looking to become the first team to win three consecutive Euro titles.

But on a rain-soaked pitch in windy Toulouse, 'La Roja' were frustrated until Gerard Pique headed Andres Iniesta's prefect back-post delivery past Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech in the 87th minute.

Having lost the chance for Spain to defend its World Cup crown in 2014 when it exited at the first hurdle, Del Bosque was more than happy with a result that he said positions his squad for further group games against Turkey and Croatia.

"Winning this game was important for us," said Del Bosque.

"We got the three points, but we also had a grip for most of the game.

"We want to finish first in the group, if possible, and this has given us the spur we need and will give us a bit more optimism for the campaign."

Having been booed by Spain fans earlier this season following anti-Real Madrid comments, Pique was the unlikely hero, although it was his Barcelona teammate Iniesta's superb delivery on top of an all-round, customary brilliant performance that won him the man-of-the-match award.

Del Bosque preferred to concentrate on his side's display as a whole, adding: "Iniesta played well, but this is not the time to speak about individuals. It was a total team effort."

But the wily Spaniard was quick to comment on Casillas, who in spite of helping Spain to its previous two titles and a World Cup trophy in 2010, spent the game on the substitutes bench.

Del Bosque instead gave the nod to Manchester United keeper David De Gea, a gesture that was regarded as a show of support after reports last week linked the 25-year-old to a sex scandal.

Del Bosque refused to confirm whether De Gea would start against Turkey, perhaps leaving the door open for Casillas when he said: "Iker's behavior was exemplary; even from the bench he's a valuable player for us.

"He was shouting his support the whole time."

Yet, apart from a last-gasp try by Vladimir Darida that De Gea did well to save, Spain's backline came under little threat during an outrageously one-sided encounter.

Cech was kept on his toes throughout, producing a string of saves on Alvaro Morata, David Silva and Jordi Alba in the first half alone.

He hardly had time to warm up for the second half before Spain laid siege to his goal again.

Cech blocked a drive from Sergio Ramos before seeing Alba miss an easy chance and then Silva fire just wide of the target.

Cech was finally left helpless when Iniesta floated in a cross for Pique, who headed home from just inside the six-yard box to send the Spanish fans into wild celebration.

"All I can say is that Arsenal were very wise to sign him from Chelsea," coach Pavel Vrba said of his goalkeeper.

Vrba, who led Viktoria Plzen into the group stages of the Champions League on two occasions, said Spain was simply too strong.

"We knew they were going to be very strong, that for us it would be a big test," said the coach.

"The Spanish know how to keep possession and to create chances but it's a big disappointment for us to concede a goal like that."

Vrba said his side set out to "keep the Spanish out of our area, but there is no single way of breaking down this team. You have to be calm, have patience and just keep working at it."

Spain will now look to seal its place in the last 16 with a win over Turkey.