It seemed like Spain were never going to break the deadlock as they laid siege to the Czech Republic’s goal.
After striker Alvaro Morata looked toothless, it was left to an unlikely source to provide salvation. The centre-back loitered with intent on the back post, fully aware Barcelona teammate Andres Iniesta was capable of picking him out.
Charging onto the ball from close range, it was a given his seven-year drought without an international goal would come to an end.
But it wasn’t just his 87th-minute intervention which was key. The pairing between him and Sergio Ramos is ironclad, vital for a side who do not possess the attacking threat of old.
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