Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has praised his side for their 2-1 victory over Chile to finish top of Group H.
Spain coach pleased with reaction
Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has praised his side for their 2-1 victory over Chile which saw them finish top of Group H and stave off the threat of an early exit from the World Cup.
The pre-tournament favourites were in danger of falling at the first hurdle following defeat in their opener to Switzerland, leaving them needing a win over the South Americans to progress.
After a sticky start to the game, the European champions took the lead through David Villa's long-range effort into an open net following Chile keeper Claudio Bravo's rash decision to come out of his goal to challenge Fernando Torres' break down the left side of the pitch.
Spain got into their groove afterwards, with Andres Iniesta bagging a second before Chile were reduced to 10 men after Marco Estrada's dismissal for a foul on Torres in the build-up to the goal.
Despite substitute Rodrigo Millar pulling one back for Marcelo Bielsa's team, Spain held on fo the victory which saw them and their South American opponents progress.
Del Bosque, who had received criticism for negative tactics before the game, was pleased with his team's performance, claiming that they reacted well to their opening defeat to the Swiss
"We know there are no easy games. We have reacted to a very difficult situation and have done well," he said.
Pressure
"The most important thing was to get these three points and qualify
"There's a lot of pressure in Spain (for us to advance) and we want to do well."
Spain are now due to face Iberian rivals Portugal in the second round of the tournament, where the Spanish will be keen to avenge being knocked out of Euro 2004 by the hosts after a defeat that saw them exit in the group stage.
"The match against Portugal will not be easy," Del Bosque added.
"But we are progressing. Fernando Torres played 60 minutes, Iniesta felt fine. We are in good shape."
Playmaker Iniesta was also wary of the threat Portugal - who have yet to concede a goal in this tournament - could pose, but insisted that they wanted to take the chance they had to win the World Cup.
"We have a unique opportunity," Iniesta said.
"The team has demonstrated a good attitude. The draw with Portugal is difficult."
