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Spain vs Czech Republic - Iniesta putting Georgia defeat in past as Czech Republic await

Monday, June 13, 2016 Source: PA

Andres Iniesta has no concerns over Spain's form as they prepare to begin their Euro 2016 campaign against the Czech Republic.

Spain suffered a shock 1-0 home defeat to Georgia, ranked 137th in the world, in their final warm-up match before heading to France.

Given the questions raised by their dismal performance at the 2014 World Cup, when they exited the tournament at the group stage, the result put more pressure on Vincente del Bosque's squad which could be at a turning point with so many of their key players heading towards the end of their careers.

Iniesta, 32, could be among that number but the Barcelona midfielder played down the sense that Spain are feeling the heat, with the Georgia result their first loss in 15 months.

"The defeat against Georgia was an accident," he said in comments reported by Marca. "We have analysed what we did well and what went wrong. Tomorrow is another game. Our mind is on the Czech Republic. If we are at our best our rivals will need to do very well to beat us."

Asked about Spain's ageing core, Iniesta said: "What we provide is quality, quality to be worthy of the Spain squad regardless of age. Like any squad there are always a few changes and we hope to keep growing as a team. The disappointment of Brazil gives us greater focus.

"Each tournament is different and I think we have a very good template to make things right."

However, Spain have little margin for error in a tough group which also includes Turkey and Croatia - Croatia won the opening Group D match 1-0 against the Turks on Sunday.

The Czechs impressed throughout qualification, topping a group which included Turkey, Iceland and Holland, but their form since qualification concluded has been a little more patchy.

Coach Pavel Vrba will be making his major tournament debut, and is ready for a rude welcome from Spain.

"We respect the huge strength of that team," Vrba said on UEFA.com.

"Their team is made up of the best players in the world, who play for Real Madrid and Barcelona. So it will be a tough challenge but we will try to beat them and I hope we can - yet we know it will be very hard."

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