Del Bosque looking for more

Del Bosque: Looking for improvement

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque admits he would have liked to have seen his team secure a more comfortable win over Paraguay.

The European Champions saw off their quarter-final opponents 1-0 courtesy of a late David Villa goal on Saturday to set up a World Cup last-four clash against Germany.

But Del Bosque admits his side were forced to battle hard for their win, and were denied sufficient possession by the South American team.

Possession

"We didn't play well mainly because we didn't get enough of the ball," said Del Bosque.

"There were good things but we weren't as at ease in possession as in other games and it's important to be comfortable.

"It has been a very tough, very uncomfortable match but this is what we expected - they didn't let us play our game.

"In my time a Spanish side never felt so uncomfortable or passed the ball so inaccurately."

Despite his disappointment, Del Bosque is confident his side have what it takes to overcome the Germans, who sealed their spot in the semi-finals with a commanding 4-0 win over Argentina.

"It's an absolutely marvellous moment for Spanish football and our game is at the very top," he added.

"We didn't play a terribly good match today but we are happy and we know we have the necessary resources to face any rival including Germany.

"It's a great moment for Spanish football. We beat Germany in the final of the Euros but they are among the elite teams and I think that speaks volumes for European football."

Tribute

Del Bosque paid tribute to Spain's goalkeeper Iker Casillas and to Villa, who is now the top scorer of the tournament with five goals.

"Casillas has been extraordinary. He made two magnificent stops tonight and he certainly contributed to our success," he added.

"Villa is at the top of his form and was right there again - perhaps we could have scored earlier but Villa had the hunger."