Current goal stopper at Arsenal FC, Petr Cech heaped praises on Spanish play maker Andres Iniesta, after their Group D opening game.

The Czech player thought he would be able to keep the Spaniards in line during the encounter but a final minute effort broke the deadlock.

Cech said “He is one of the best players in the world and I'm not just talking about my era. I'm talking about in the history of the game," in a game that was a repeat of the encounter between both players’ years back. In 2009, Cech was playing at Stamford Bridge when they met in the UEFA Champions League semi-final. It was Iniesta who scored in the 93rd minute helping the Catalan giant proceed. When they met in the Euro this time, it was same Iniesta that set up Pique for Spain's winner in the 87th minute.

Iniesta picked up the Man of the Match award after the game, receiving commendations from a lot of fans. The play maker has stepped out a bit out of Xavi Hernandez' shadow since his former team-mate retired. Iniesta commented after the game saying:

"It is a little strange without him but we have the players to keep our style of play going for many years. We are learning to live without Xavi on the pitch. We have others who can pick up the baton such as Thiago, Fabregas, Koke and Busquets and even in the era of Xabi Alonso and Xavi I feel I always took responsibility during games because that's how I am as a player."
Spanish supporters desperate want the player to win the Ballon d'Or this year, after his impressive performance season-wide. If he does lift the much coveted price, he would be the first since Luis Suarez won it in 1960. Cech also waded in when he said Iniesta has never won it because the award is given to players who score goals. He came very close in 2010 as he was among the final three but his team mate Lionel Messi beat him to it.