Shocking tackle on the linesman.

Well remembered!

oh yeah, cheers........I used to like watching him!

Interested to see if Spain attempt to play differently than usual. Casillas, Xavi and Xabi Alonso are out of the side but there's still much more continuity than change. If have liked to see more young players getting a chance because Pique, Ramos, Silva, Juanfran and Iniesta may only have one more tournament in them after this and Del Bosque on his way out. Still, loads of talent in the side.

Yes like Switzerland did in the World Cup 6 years ago when they beat them 2-0!!

Then Spain won 6 1-0s in a row to win the cup.

Jan Koller had an excellent scoring record, better than 1 in 2 for the Czechs.

Spain seem reluctant to actually put the ball in the box, as usual.

Ta.. I just edited my post to add Carsten Jancker as maybe the guy, but think he was German... Both were lumps.

Didn't he score a hat trick at a previous Euros?

I think Rosicky might have been his supplier, which tells you how long he's been around.

Edit: No, Koller scored two goals in Euro 2004, but it was Milan Baros who got the majority of their goals in that tournament.

No, you nailed it first time, soon as I saw the name all the bells started ringing

Another shot that is straight at the keeper.

Nolito tends to take one touch too many I think.

radio commentator just mentioned that it was 1993 when Czechoslovakia split into 2.....

blimey, doesn't seem that long ago

I remember watching Czechoslovakia beating West Germany in the Euro final in the 70s when I was at college.......I think it was that classic 'chip the goalie' penalty kick which we'd never seen before

Yes that surprised me; I thought Nolito and Morata would guarantee at least one in the box. The only team they had more than one in the box Morata almost scored; surprise that

ramos is a prick of the highest order

One of Jens Lehmann's numerous insightful comments last night which stuck in my mind was that Ukraine needed to practice how to pass under pressure and that it was obvious to him they really didn't know how to and couldn't currently do it. Watching Spain is a lovely demonstration of what Jens Lehmann meant about passing under pressure; they individually have such superb technique and clearly have practised and experienced often passing under pressure.

underwhelmed with the standard of pitches at many of the stadiums. Isn't this a new ground? Divots flying up everywhere and players slipping. Hopefully won't spoil the game with 2 sides who play well on a 'carpet'.

just checked: it's Toulouse (old ground). Apparently improvements were put on hold due to funding.
I love watching Iniesta.

What a pass by Iniesta. Still has it

His usual partner in crime, Pepe would be proud.

I find Spain really boring to watch. They always play so slow and nothing but perfection is good enough for them. It means we get less chances on goal and no pace to the game.

The Czechs have had two free kicks in this match so far and they've totally squandered both of them.

I was on holiday at Xmas in Prague that year. We had to spend all of our Czechoslovakian currency before we got on the plane as the currency and the country ceased to exist literally while we were flying back to Britain. By the time we were back in Britain it was the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

tell me about it, i have both of them in my dream team :X

Just a matter of time before Spain take the lead surely.

All over them.

good save that...