campaign off to a winning start against Uruguaywith a 2-1 win in at
the Arena Pernambuco.
The reigning world and European champions were in complete control and
won over local fans with their stylish football seeing them find the
net twice in the first half through Pedroand Roberto Soldado.
Though the crowd became frustrated at times, the Europeans took their
foot off the gas but an exquisite Luis Suarez free kick late on proved
just a consolation.
Vicente del Bosque elected to start with Iker Casillas in goal for his
side, despitethe keeper not appearing for Real Madrid since January.
The 62-year-old also opted to begin with Soldado in attack and the
Valencia man almost repaid his coach's faith within five minutes,
however he was unable to turn Jordi Alba's cross in at the back post.
La Rojamonopolised possession in the opening stages and in the 10th
minute a quick attacking injection caught Uruguay off guard. Andres
Iniesta's dummy let the ball roll through to his Barcelona team-mate
Cesc Fabregas, who was denied a goal when his low shot crashed against
the foot of the post.
Oscar Tabarez's men were struggling to cope with the crisp,
interlinking passingof the Spaniards in the final third. It took two
attempts for Fernando Muslera to keep out an effort from Iniesta after
a lovely move at the top of the box six minutes later.
It seemed an inevitability that Spain would find the net and that is
preciselywhat happened in the 20th minute.Pedro's sublimely-struck
effort looked to be heading for the bottom corner but a deflection off
of Lugano made sure it found the net by redirecting it past the
already-committed Muslera.
Uruguay began to rile their opponents and almost stole a goal through
Edinson Cavani with a well-worked freekick routine, but the World Cup
holdersre-asserted themselves by doubling their advantage soon after.
A tremendous disguised pass from Fabregas picked outSoldadowith
spaceto take a touch on the edge of the areabefore guiding the ball
past Muslera confidently just after the half hour mark.
Spain's relentless pressing made it difficult for Uruguay to get any
respite and it took a brilliant reflex save from their keeper in order
to keep out Gerard Pique's header before the break.
After the interval it was more of the same fromla Roja, as Soldado and
Iniesta both came close to adding theirteam's third but neither were
able to pull a save from Muslera.
There was less urgency from Del Bosque's men in comparison to the
firsthalf but their incessant passing was stopping Suarez and Cavani
from having any impact on the game. A tame volley from Pedro in the
64th minute that went wide of the post was their only subsequent
effort.
They certainly paid the price asSuarezconjured up a moment of sheer
magic when he bent an immensely-precise free kick inside Casillas'
near post from in excess of 25 yards, butla Rojaheld on in a nervy end
to the game.
Victory ensures Spain go to the top of the Group B with three points
but that could change depending on the result of tomorrow's fixture
between the group's other contenders, Nigeria and Tahiti.
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