Euro 2016 daily five: Barcelona’s Pique feels the love from Spain; are Belgium that good?

With Day 4 of Euro 2016 in the books, we have collated some of the best of our content from the last 24 hours in one place. All the latests news, plus group guides, kick-off times and news from around the teams can be found at our special microsite.

1 — Pique feeling the love

Spain opened their tournament against the Czech Republic, and there was a great deal of intrigue surrounding the reigning champions. Regarded by many as not among the favourites in France, Vicente Del Bosque's side dominated for much of the contest but left it late to find the breakthrough. A lack of a world-class striker has been cited as a weak spot in this Spain team, and it seemingly proved the case against the Czechs. So it was left to a central defender to provide the winner as Spain deservedly, although unconvincingly, opened with a victory.

Gerard Pique, the Barcelona defender, has long been a curious figure in the Spain national team, often booed by his own fans for a vocal pro-Catalonia stance and his apparent anti-Real Madrid views. This despite over 70 caps for Spain and an integral role in their Euro 2012 triumph. No one was booing Pique on Sunday evening though.

Ian Hawkey, who was in Toulouse for the match, provides his analysis as Pique earns his cheers and Spain, for once, start hot.

2 — Ibrahimovic makes an impact, even when he doesn’t

In the build-up to Sweden’s opening Euro 2016 match against the Republic of Ireland, Zlatan Ibrahimovic assured everyone that “the legend can still deliver”. Trailing 1-0 following Wes Hoolahan’s stunning opener for Ireland, Sweden needed their star man to step up. For a player rightly regarded as one of the finest strikers on the planet and who scored 50 goals for Paris Saint-Germain last season, it was a frustrating night for Ibrahimovic as Sweden failed to muster a single shot on target.

And yet, it was Ibrahimovic who engineered the Sweden equaliser, his short burst of pace and teasing cross resulted in Ciaran Clark turning the ball into his own net. Even when Ibrahimovic, 34, isn't firing on all cylinders, he still does enough to earn his side a valuable point.

Richard Jolly breaks down the Group E encounter as Ireland's collective matched Sweden's one-man band but Ibrahimovic still landed a decisive blow.

3 — Italy are not as bad as we thought

An ageing squad, an absence of star power, and missing their two best midfielders in Marco Verratti and Claudio Marchisio, Italy have been given little hope of success at Euro 2016. Even manager Antonio Conte has moved to dampen expectation. To make matters worse, Italy’s first match of the tournament was against a much-fancied Belgium side, currently ranked No 2 in the world by Fifa.

It certainly doesn't look too doom and gloom anymore. A fine first half goal from Emanuele Giaccherini, yes the very same Giaccherini who couldn't cement a place at Sunderland, and an injury-time volley by Graziano Pelle secured the win. All in all, it was an impressive display from Italy and you can check out the best photos from the game in our gallery. Unsurprisingly, they were rock solid at the back, thanks to their all-Juventus defence, looked dangerous down the flanks, and were more than a match for Belgium's heralded midfield. Granted, they could do with a menacing striker leading the line, but it was encouraging nonetheless. Perhaps Italy are not as bad as everyone thought. Unless ...

4 – ... Belgium are not as good as we thought

They may have dominated large parts of the match in terms of possession and territory, but Belgium rarely troubled Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. They had more possession and more shots on goal, but they trailed in the only stat that matters; goals. So much is expected of Belgium in this tournament, and a glance at their squad would give plenty of reason why.

Except against Italy, they were far from the star-studded team expected to make a major impact in France. The defence was twice breached and were it not for Thibaut Courtois it could have been more, the midfield may have looked assured but it lacked spark, and the attack rarely threatened. Take nothing away from Italy, but if Belgium want to match their lofty Euro 2016 ambitions, improvement is needed in their next two Group E matches against Ireland and Sweden. And fast.

Thomas Woods picks the big talking points from the game, including a look at Conte's tactics, Lukaku's struggle in front of goal, and the classy display of Antonio Candreva.

5 – Striker problems loom for some of the main contenders

France, Germany, Spain and now Belgium all have reason to be a bit worried about the way their centre forwards have played so far. In Germany’s case, it is the positioning of Mario Gotze, a creative midfielder, as a false nine which has observers scratching their heads, while Alvaro Morata’s wayward performance for Spain against the Czech Republic was a black spot on an otherwise fine performance from his side.

Greg Lea expands in his breakdown of Day 4's action

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