Dovalil planning Spanish surprise

Many coaches have tried to work out a way to counter Spain's inimitable passing game, and Jakub Dovalil will put his own blueprint to "surprise" the Iberians into action with the Czech Republic on Wednesday.

The Czechs head into their second Group B encounter perched proudly at the head of the section courtesy of their 2-1 defeat of Ukraine on Sunday. That victory was built on a strong second-half display, but Dovalil said his players would have to be quicker out of the blocks against Spain.

"We'll have to be well prepared and be a bit more active from the start of the game to try and surprise the Spanish," said the 37-year-old, who has already achieved the feat once with a 2-0 win in the semi-finals of the 2006 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. "They're very good at keeping possession. We have to try and deal with that. If we have two set pieces and score from one, that would be fantastic. There are two ways to play against Spain. The first is to have a strong defence; the second is to play more actively and try to keep the ball."

Credited with helping tip the opening match in his country's favour after coming off the bench at half-time, stylish midfielder Jan Morávek could start against Spain to aide Dovalil's designs. "We have to have a special plan to deal with them. We've watched their last five games. They're strong in every area," said Dovalil, who spied chinks in the Spanish armour in qualifying. "They drew with Finland, and then in the play-off with Croatia they scored goals only late on in the second leg. However, with their strengths, they're not afraid of anyone and it's going to be tough for us."

Following their 1-1 draw with England last weekend, Spain have their hopes pinned on leaving the Viborg Stadion with greater reward. However, coach Luis Milla said that, regardless of the result, he would not sacrifice style for substance. "We are an ambitious team with a philosophy of how to play, and we know very well the kind of players we have in the team," he said. "I'm trying to play attractive football, spectacular football and if we can get a positive result so much the better."

In a bid to both entertain and take a step towards a place in the last four, Milla confirmed he would introduce Athletic Club's Iker Muniain – "we have great confidence in him," he said – to replace Jeffren. However, he also acknowledged that this Czech squad poses a serious threat to his nation's unbeaten record in five games against them at U21 level. "They're a very competitive team, very dynamic and were superb in qualifying," said Milla. "They don't leave spaces and don't let you play, and that's the worst thing they can do to us."