Spain Defeats Czechia to Extend Unbeaten Run to 44 Matches

Video assistant referee decisions shaped Spain’s victory over Czechia as Luis de la Fuente’s side extended its unbeaten run to 44 matches, Diari de Girona reported.

Operating without several key players such as Lamine, Oyarzabal, Nico, and Olmo, Spain controlled the first half in Prague before fading after the interval. The defending world champions now sit one point away from securing top spot in their group, needing only a draw in their upcoming match at the Metropolitano against England.

Luis de la Fuente deployed a 4-4-2 formation rather than his usual 4-2-3-1 setup. Zubimendi and Fabián governed from the double pivot, while Fermín joined Ferran moving into the attacking third. Porro and Yeremi covered the right flank, with Cucurella and Baena patrolling the left.

Santi Denia’s Czech side defended compactly through the center, limiting early space. Cucurella registered Spain’s first shot in the 18th minute, followed by a header from Huijsen, partner of Cubarsí. The deadlock broke when Czech defender Ambros handled the ball inside the penalty area during a corner kick. Baena converted the resulting penalty kick to give Spain the lead.

Two minutes into the second half, an errant pass from Unai Simón to Yeremi led to an apparent goal, but the video review system disallowed it for offside by a narrow margin. The reprieve invigorated the hosts, who tested Spain through Zima, Provod, and Krejčí. Adam Hložek struck the crossbar in the 66th minute following a misjudged clearance by Simón.

In the 71st minute, the video review system prompted the referee to upgrade a yellow card shown to Krejčí to a straight red card, reducing Czechia to 10 men. The introduction of Pedri stabilized Spain’s midfield late in the match. Pubill scored in the closing stages following Roberto’s effort against the post to seal the victory.

France fell 3-1 to Italy in Zidane’s managerial debut as national team coach, playing without the injured Mbappé. England defeated Croatia 2-1 with goals from Rogers and Kane. Kane surpassed Peter Shilton’s national record by making his 126th international appearance. Belgium secured a 2-1 victory over Turkey despite an opening goal from Arda Güler.

Spain plays England at the Metropolitano stadium.