Spain on another level, admits Vrba

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After Spain defeated Czech Republic 1-0 in their Euro 2016 opener, coach Pavel Vrba admitted that the holders were a class above.

Czech Republic head coach Pavel Vrba conceded that Spain were on "another level" to his side following their Euro 2016 opener in Toulouse on Monday.

The holders dominated proceedings at Stade de Toulouse but were forced to wait until the 86th minute for the breakthrough, when Gerard Pique headed in Andres Iniesta's cross.

"Looking from a defensive perspective, it could've been better had we attacked more, but I'm very happy with my players," he said.

"Spanish football is very strong. They win everything - Champions League, Europa League. Theirs is the best football in Europe and their national team have players from the top clubs. Of course they are one of the favourites.

"After 45 minutes, I told my players to have a bit more patience with the ball, because we lost it a lot and couldn't counter-attack as we wanted. But it was very difficult to have the ball more. They couldn't bring their club form to here, and that's a shame. But Spain are on another level to us.

"I don't think we'll have to defend that much against the other teams. I hope we can get six points from the games we have left."

"I saw Iniesta in Israel in the Under-16s. He's an exceptional player. We managed to beat him there, but they beat us here," he said.

"The fans were excellent today, both sets," he added. "They came to see football, not to fight, and I thank them."