Czech Republic U21 0-2 Spain U21: Adrian nets brace & Juan Mata stars in convincing victory
Posted Thursday, June 16, 2011 by YAHOO Sport
Spain comfortably brushed aside the Czech Republic in its European Under-21 Championship encounter in Denmark this evening, securing a 2-0 triumph to go top of Group B.
Valencia's Juan Mata provided Atletico Madrid-bound forward Adrian Lopez the opportunity to convert two fine goals, one in either half, and Luis Milla's men were in supreme control as they recorded a win that suggested a statement of intent as they attempt to clinch the trophy.
Spain made one change to the side that drew 1-1 with England on Sunday evening, with Athletic Bilbao's Iker Muiain drafted in to replace Barcelona winger Jeffren, while the Czechs, fresh from their 2-0 defeat of Ukraine, could call on Borek Dockal, the two-goal hero of that victory.
Much like its first outing, Luis Milla's side dominated possession from the opening exchanges, and should have claimed the lead early in the contest. Muniain's neat pass eventually found its way to Juan Mata at the back post, but his close range effort was blocked on the line.
In the 27th minute, however, the deserved breakthrough arrived. Quick interplay between Javi Martinez and Mata saw the latter slip a sliderule pass into the path of striker Adrian, who remained composed to slot the ball past Vaclik into the corner.
Minutes later, Mata should perhaps have made it two when he came across the near post to meet Muniain's cut-back, but Vaclik did well to block with his body from close range.
Tomas Pekhart came closest for the Czechs, clipping a snapshot over the crossbar but the eastern Europeans offered precious little else in the way of threat to David de Gea's goal.
Spain delivered the killer blow just two minutes after the restart, and it was the fruitful combination of Mata and Adrian who delivered once again. The Valencia creator drifted towards the edge of the penalty area, and released his path perfectly. Adrian controlled with his left foot, cut inside Ondrej Mazuch and curled his shot in off the far post with his right.
The Iberian side enjoyed complete dominance of possession in the second half, and seemed to confound suggestions that this Czech side could prove the sternest test to Spain's aspirations of winning the tournament.
The Czechs did enjoy a late flurry, with De Gea producing an excellent one-handed stop from Celustka's powerful downward header, but the result was never in doubt.
Spain's four-point haul fter two games sees it at the summit of Group B for the time being, with England due to face Ukraine in the other fixture later this evening.
Valencia's Juan Mata provided Atletico Madrid-bound forward Adrian Lopez the opportunity to convert two fine goals, one in either half, and Luis Milla's men were in supreme control as they recorded a win that suggested a statement of intent as they attempt to clinch the trophy.
Spain made one change to the side that drew 1-1 with England on Sunday evening, with Athletic Bilbao's Iker Muiain drafted in to replace Barcelona winger Jeffren, while the Czechs, fresh from their 2-0 defeat of Ukraine, could call on Borek Dockal, the two-goal hero of that victory.
Much like its first outing, Luis Milla's side dominated possession from the opening exchanges, and should have claimed the lead early in the contest. Muniain's neat pass eventually found its way to Juan Mata at the back post, but his close range effort was blocked on the line.
In the 27th minute, however, the deserved breakthrough arrived. Quick interplay between Javi Martinez and Mata saw the latter slip a sliderule pass into the path of striker Adrian, who remained composed to slot the ball past Vaclik into the corner.
Minutes later, Mata should perhaps have made it two when he came across the near post to meet Muniain's cut-back, but Vaclik did well to block with his body from close range.
Tomas Pekhart came closest for the Czechs, clipping a snapshot over the crossbar but the eastern Europeans offered precious little else in the way of threat to David de Gea's goal.
Spain delivered the killer blow just two minutes after the restart, and it was the fruitful combination of Mata and Adrian who delivered once again. The Valencia creator drifted towards the edge of the penalty area, and released his path perfectly. Adrian controlled with his left foot, cut inside Ondrej Mazuch and curled his shot in off the far post with his right.
The Iberian side enjoyed complete dominance of possession in the second half, and seemed to confound suggestions that this Czech side could prove the sternest test to Spain's aspirations of winning the tournament.
The Czechs did enjoy a late flurry, with De Gea producing an excellent one-handed stop from Celustka's powerful downward header, but the result was never in doubt.
Spain's four-point haul fter two games sees it at the summit of Group B for the time being, with England due to face Ukraine in the other fixture later this evening.
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