Baku – APA. Spain had struggled to break down a resolute Czech defence until the influential centre-back glanced in an Andres Iniesta cross in the 87th minute, Daily Star reported.
Petr Cech had reacted well to deny Alvaro Morata and David Silva in the first half while Czech defender Roman Hubnik deflected Morata's shot against his own post.
Spain were given a fright when a stretching Hubnik forced a save from David de Gea and Cesc Fabregas made a goal line clearance to keep out Theodor Gebre Selassie's header.
But Pique ensured the champions began with a victory to join Croatia on three points.
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