Vicente del Bosque has admitted that Spain are already in a strong position in Group B of the Confederations Cup, after defeating Uruguay.
La Roja ran out 2-1 winners in Recife, thanks to first-half goals from Pedro Rodriguez and Roberto Soldado, before Luis Suarez’ late free-kick provided for a nervy ending.
“I am satisfied not only for the performance in the first half, but also for that in the second. We played well, even if everything was marred somewhat by the end,” Del Bosque surmised post-match.
“We grew very tired in the final minutes and also appealed to the spirit of conservation. It was normal to suffer in the high temperature.
“These are three great points that put us in the best position to get through to the semi-finals.
“It was a good game and we dominated almost the entire match, but in the end we were a little pressed. I believe we should not have suffered.
“It is true that in the end we were a little nervous and that was because we missed some chances to score, to have given us more tranquillity.
“We did almost everything right, defended judiciously, retrieved the ball quickly, played good football, but we did not take our chances and at the end were a little worried.”
Del Bosque notably picked Iker Casillas in goal ahead of Victor Valdes.
“I considered it appropriate. All three goalkeepers are very good.”