Spain secured a 2-0 victory against the Czech Republic on Thursday in Prague during the UEFA Nations League, maintaining a perfect record in group play as France 24 reported.
The win keeps Spain atop Group A3 with a three-point cushion over England, ensuring that a draw against the English on Sunday will secure first place in the group standings, El Mundo noted. The reigning world champions also extended their unbeaten run in official matches to 44 games.
“Esta competición es tan difícil, tan dura, tan igualada que en cualquier campo te puede ganar cualquier rival, entonces nosotros por eso somos conscientes de lo difícil que es y lo ponemos siempre en un gran valor,” said Luis de la Fuente head coach Luis de la Fuente, according to France 24.
Facing a correosa República Checa, España struggled to find rhythm in attack until a breakthrough arrived via the penalty spot in the 39th minute. MARCA reported that Czech defender Lukáš Ambros handled an innocuous ball inside the area, prompting a VAR review that led to the spot-kick.
Álex Baena converted the penalty past goalkeeper Matěj Kovář to open the scoring. De la Fuente had rotated his starting XI for the fixture, handing starts to players like Dani Vivian, Dean Huijsen, and Martín Zubimendi while managing player fatigue across the European calendar.
“Ha habido un momento que nos han generado demasiado a balón parado,” Baena told Televisión Española after the final whistle, as France 24 cited.
𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 🌍 Spain beat Czechia 2-0, with Cubarsí, Fermín and Pedri featuring. England beat Croatia 2-1, with Gordon and Livaković both featuring. pic.twitter.com/obZ1bFcI5Q
The Czech Republic pressed for an equalizer in the second half, hitting the crossbar through Adam Hložek following a misjudgment from goalkeeper Unai Simón, MARCA noted. Spain also had a goal by Yeremy Pino disallowed for offside after a long pass from Simón.
The turning point arrived in the 70th minute when Czech captain Ladislav Krejčí brought down substitute Roberto Fernández as the forward raced toward goal. Referee Nikola Dabanović initially issued a yellow card before a VAR review corrected the decision to a straight red, Diario AS reported.
With the hosts reduced to ten men, Marc Pubill secured the victory in stoppage time by finishing at the edge of the area to make it 2-0, France 24 detailed.
Spain plays England on Sunday, needing only a draw to confirm first place in Group A3.
