It is up to Spain to lose

Defending champions Spain had to deal with a rude shock of losing to minnows Georgia in the friendly before the start of the tournament. Even though they qualified with ease, one can say that they are still rankling from group stage exit in 2014 World Cup and are still in transition. Coach Vicente Del Bosque will look to play 4-3-3 formation, however with reports of Alvaro Morata not being fit Cesc Fabregas might operate as false nine, ahead of Artiz Aduriz. Busquets and Iniesta will be paired along with Koke in the midfield and they will look to retain possession ala ‘tiki-taka’ style. While Nolito will partner Fabregas up front one more place will most likely be filled by David Silva, who hasn’t had the best of outings in recent times. While the players are all technically gifted, the La Furia Roja suffers from lack of out and out strikers. Valencia’s Paco Alcacer, who was the top scorer for the Spanish in the qualifiers, was not picked in the squad for the reasons best known to Del Bosque and he will be missed. Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos will form the heart of Spanish defence they will aided by Juanfran and Jordi Alba on the left. While the defence looks solid on paper, they are prone to make mistakes, which the Czechs looks to cash on. David De Gea, was poised to take over the mantel of custodian between the sticks from Iker Casillas, however the allegations of sex scandal might have changed equations. Even though the player denied the allegations and the coach threw his weight behind him, can he replicate his form at Manchester United? Czech though not being much talked topped the qualifiers and will pose a tough challenge to the Spanish. Even though their defence is mot strong, they play like a close knit bunch and will have ever reliable Petr Cech between the sticks. Holding midfielder Vladimir Darida will play a key role in changing the course of play. He will be tasked with marking and keeping Iniesta at bay, which is a daunting task. Tomas Rosicky has been an influential player for the Czechs, the 35-year-old is in his twilight but his services will be needed. Necid will be the lone striker and he has to up his game by more than couple of notches to trouble the Spanish defence. The match will be the Spain’s to lose; they will look to stamp their authority and lay down marker for the group that has the likes of Croatia and Turkey.