Slovakia qualifies for Euro 2016 for first time as independent nation

Russian Federation is returning to the European Championship for the fourth straight time, while Slovakia will be playing in the tournament for the first time as an independent nation.

The Chelsea midfielder was winning his 100th cap and had the chance to mark it with a goal only to see his penalty saved.

The holders wrapped up their Group C qualifying campaign with a 1-0 victory away to Ukraine on Monday, when Del Bosque had the luxury of fielding an experimental side with Spain already through as section winners.

Having been neglected during the window given the uncertainty over his future, De Gea will hope that his recent performances will help ensure that he establishes himself as the number one for the national side at Euro 2016 in France next summer.

At the venue where they beat Italy in the Euro 2012 final, it was an unfamiliar-looking Spain side that won thanks to a debut goal by Villarreal full-back Mario Gaspar midway through the first half.

Speaking to TVE following the clash, De Gea said: “The whole team had a great match”. Perhaps should have scored.

Spain made the breakthrough when Nolito sent Thiago Alcantara clear and his flawless cross to the far post was headed powerfully into the net by Gaspar with Pyatov stranded. What will go into the records was De Gea’s performance.

Ukraine created many chances and breached Spain’s defence on several occasions, but they couldn’t penetrate the wide-stretched arms of De Gea, much to the disbelief of the opposition players.

Spain’s goalkeeper David de Gea (R) makes a save on Ukraine’s Ruslan Rotan during the Euro 2016 group C qualifying soccer match at the Olympic stadium in Kiev, Ukraine, October 12, 2015.

“It’s true that I had a bit of luck today, but I did well and I’ve got to keep it up”.

Cesc Fabregas has continued to underperforming. Remarkably, Fabregas has missed all four penalties he’s taken for his country, excluding shoot-outs.