Euro 2016 Group D: Spain to crush tough Czech Republic resistance

It will surely be no walkover, but possession-savvy and patient Spain can surely take advantage and are 29/10 to win both halves of football, after going unbeaten in their previous 12 European Championship challenges.

Marked man Morata and late bloomer Aduritz key

In arguably the most perilous pool of the tournament, a draw at 16/5 for either side could prove problematic later on, so it is to be hoped both go for the jugular and avoid a cautious or cagey opening affair.

Soon-to-depart Spain boss Del Bosque caused a little controversy with his last La Roja tournament roster, leaving out a fair few in-form and direct players such as Saul Niguez and Fernando Torres of Atletico Madrid.

Though it is the abundance of midfielders who prefer to be string pullers, and omission of proven poachers such as Paco Alcacaer and Diego Costa for various reasons, that rankles most.

Instead, this a chance for Alvaro Morata, reportedly marked out as a transfer target for several Premier League clubs despite a confusing buy-back clause existing between current club Juventus and former employers Real Madrid, to step up.

The Madrid-born marksman will be in the shop window after a middling season in which he was not always first choice in Turin, but popped up with a winning goal in the Coppa Italia final.

So back Morata at 10/3 for the final say on a big stage again, or Athletic Bilbao’s Aritz Aduriz at 4/1 for the first strike after his exceptional 20-goal La Liga season.

Nifty Celta Vigo star Nolito has been another late bloomer in the same vein as Aduritz, and the wide forward is 5/4 to notch anytime after netting four times in six caps across 2016.

Czechs ready and willing to test favourites

The Czech Republic have made it their business to upset the established order of late, with capital club Sparta Prague also excelling in the Europa League last season.

A core group from that quarter-final finish on the continent are also instrumental for their nation with forwards David Lafata (5/1 anytime) and Milan Skoda (5/1), plus midfielders Ladislav Krejci and Josef Sural from Sparta ranks.

Though the most notable names outfield for the Czechs are Arsenal’s experienced midfield marshal Tomas Rosicky (7/1) and Bursaspor goal bagger Tomas Necid, with the latter a 7/2 scoring shout.

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For further previews, tips and features visit our excellent Euro 2016 page.

Coral’s top tip: Spain are tasty at 10/3 to win by exactly two goals.