Clinical Spain cruise to opening win

Spain made a fine start to their UEFA European Under-19 Championship Elite round campaign, easing to an opening 5-1 Group 7 success against Czech Republic in Tallinn.

Falqué influence
Spain wasted no time in stamping their authority with 17-year-old Óscar Sielva drilling in the opener from outside the area on nine minutes. His fellow midfielder Iago Falqué was instrumental in Spain's dominance and his combination with Fran Mérida almost provided a second only for Václav Hladky to save. Spain did make it 2-0 before the interval, though, Jose Luis Mato heading in Falqué's cross on 43 minutes.

Late double
Nine minutes after the break it was three thanks to a Mérida free-kick, although Milan Misun did pull a goal back from 25 metres. Spain added two late goals though substitute Daniel Aquino and Falqué, however, and will face hosts Estonia while Czech Republic meet Germany in the next round of matches on Saturday.

Final goal
"We are here to gain a place in the finals in Ukraine," said Spain coach Luis Milla. "There are strong teams here, including today's opponents, so there will be no easy victories in Tallinn." His Czech counterpart, Aleš Křeček, admitted: "Every Spain player was quicker and more skilful than ours."