Spain started this year's European championship with a 2-1 victory over France in the opening group A match. Their opponents only qualified for the finals as lucky losers after hosts Liechtenstein decided not to put out a side, but even so they created some problems early on, with Doucouré testing Ortolá with a well struck free kick. A couple of minutes later though Spain took the lead, Valencia's Bernat heading past Areola on the far post from Víctor's cross. Koura equalised midway through the second half, but Yamnaine was sent off a few minutes later for a second bookable offence, and with six minutes to go Valencia striker Paco Alcácer got on the end of long ball from Jesé to score the winner. (18.05.10)