Bruno remains on bench as Spain win opening group match

Villarreal's Bruno Soriano didn't play in Spain's 1-0 victory over the Czech Republic today.   Spain dominated the match as usual in terms of possession but apart form Andres Iniesta, whose pass to Gerard Pique created the lone goal,  the Spanish side played too slowly and took too many touches on the ball far too often.

Bruno certainly has played the sorts of incisive quick passes for Villarreal that Spain could have used today; Spain's next match is against Croatia who will certainly offer more going forward than the Czechs did today--not to mention they have a great passer themselves in Luka Modric.

As for the newcomers who did get in, Nolito was nervous, had some decent moments but really didn't do much; Morata had a couple of half-chances but strayed offside too often; Aduriz flashed a header wide but at least his introduction gave Spain an aerial threat, which is eventually how the goal came (though by Piqué not Aduriz).

David de Gea had to make two saves all match, and came up big when it counted.  Spain dominated play but were not really challenged much by the Czechs, and it took nearly 90 minutes to find a way through.  Not really impressive, but Spain will take the three points.

Man of the match: Andres Iniesta, Juanfran probably next best for me