Czech Republic coach Pavel Vrba says Spain will hold no surprises for his team when the pair clash in Toulouse on Monday.
The 52-year-old lavished plenty of praise on Vicente del Bosque’s men but maintained the football they play will be nothing his own players have not come up against in the past.
“I love their technique and the way they move. It’s great, it’s genius, and I think the whole world should learn from them in that respect,” Vrba told a Press conference.
“We respect Spain, of course we do, and they will be favourites, so it is a tough and important test.
“But their style of football is not a novelty to us. It’s very similar to Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona, and that’s how they are going to play against us.
“They control the ball well, have good technique, and all their players are capable of attacking. But I think there are a few things we can surprise them with.
“Obviously, the type of guys they have are a pleasure to watch and we’ll be on red alert every time they have the ball. We’ll be giving everything to try and stop them and make it difficult.
“We didn’t come here to make it easy. We want to achieve success for ourselves and that’s what we’ll fighting to do.”
Vrba revealed he is hoping memories of his country´s previous exploits in the competition – including Antonin Panenka’s famous penalty in the shoot-out win over West Germany in 1976 and a final appearance in 1996 – can inspire his men against the Spanish.
“Czech television often shows replays of these games, so if my players have had the television on then they are sure to have seen them.
“Personally, I remember them well. They were great tournaments for the Czechs and Panenka’s penalty will never be forgotten,” he enthused.
