Ahead of their Group D clash on Monday, Spain and Czech Republic UAE-based fans give their verdict on the game.
To gain an insight into the mindset of the fans we asked UAE fans to share with us their predictions, likely line-ups and players to watch.
Do you agree or have they missed the mark? You can share with us your thoughts by commenting below, using #360fans on Twitter or getting in touch via Facebook.
CZECH REPUBLIC – Ondřej Piškula (Football Coach, Dubai)
Since 1996, the Czech Republic have played four matches against Spain. We lost three and drew one. It is time to do something about it and show Europe that Czech football is still among the very best. There is no better opportunity to do so than in the match against the reigning champions.
The past few weeks have seen preparation for Euro 2016 go well for our team as we beat Malta and Russia in friendlies. Unfortunately we lost against South Korea but the performance was still good, with the team discovering areas of development that I’m sure would have been addressed.
Everything looks ready for the big opening as we don´t have any injuries and all the players can´t wait to get started. Let’s forget the near misses, forget the past and make the history now. Come on Czech!
PREDICTION: Czech Republic 2-1 Spain
LIKELY CZECH REPULIC XI: Cech, Kaderabek, Sivok, Suchy, Gebre, Selassie, Sural, Dockal, Rosicky, Darida, Krejci, Lafata
CZECH REPUBLIC PLAYER TO WATCH: Tomas Necid (above) has shown very good form as he assisted the first and scored the second goal in friendly match against Russia. He may not start but if he does, it will be exciting to watch.
SPAIN PLAYER TO WATCH: Andres Iniesta. For me he is the best player in the Spanish team, a key cog in La Roja’s machine. In fact, he is the engine, transmision, and steering all at once. A great football player who is always worth watching.
WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME: Barasti Beach Bar
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SPAIN – Borja Burguillos (Global Strategy Manager, Dubai)
Spain is living a change of generation which is always complicated – the era of post-Xavi as many fans call it! Vicente del Bosque has decided to make a soft change by keeping some of the more experienced players and mixing in new ones. Only time will tell if it is the right decision to experiment in this way at Euro 2016.
We certainly have a very good defence and midfielders but there is an acute lack of top-level strikers. Oh how we’d like to have a Raul, David Villa, or the Fernando Torres of old. Still, it is an opportunity for Nolito and Alvaro Morata to show at the Euros whether they really are top players.
Obviously we are defending champions so expectation is still high, even after the disappointment of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. I still have confidence in Spain. The game with the Czech Republic will be hotly contested but Spain will win.
PREDICTION: Spain 2 – 1 Czech Republic
LIKELY SPAIN XI: De Gea; Juanfran, Ramos, Pique, Alba; Busquets, Thiago, Iniesta, Fabregas, Lucas Vazquez; Nolito
CZECH REPUBLIC PLAYER TO WATCH: Petr Cech – The Arsenal goalkeeper (above) has vast experience and will be a key player for the team. He could keep the score at nil on his own such is his quality – our players will need to finish well to beat him.
SPAIN PLAYER TO WATCH: Lucas Vasquez – While Andres Iniesta is the reference in midfield, Lucas Vasquez has burst into the national team and is hungry to make an impact. He has pace and already experience of playing under pressure.
WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME: Lock Stock & Barrel in Tecom. Amazing pure football environment
