After an overwhelming victory that stretched Spain’s unbeaten run to 33 games, Coach Vicente del Bosque warned his team not to overvalue the win as the team moves forward in the Confederations Cup.
Fernando Torres’ hat trick in the opening 17 minutes led Spain to a 5-0 win over New Zealand in Group A, but Del Bosque chided his players about their lacklustre play following David Villa’s final goal in the 48th minute.
”We must not believe this (result) too much,” Del Bosque said.
”We shouldn’t believe we are the best because the game was deceitful. You have to recognize the abilities of your rival.”
The Spanish will be expected to win the group, which also includes Iraq and host South Africa.
”In the first half we did things pretty good and that led to the second half not having to be played,” said Del Bosque, who won his 11th straight match since replacing Luis Aragon’s following last year’s European Championship title.
”It’s understandable because players’ efforts start to slacken and they start thinking about the next match.”
In Spain’s case, that would be Asian champion Iraq, coming off a 0-0 draw with host South Africa. A victory on Wednesday at Bloemfontein’s Free State stadium would see the European champion’s qualify at the top of the group.
”We’re a team that’s been together many years and we know how to get things done,” Spain defender Sergio Ramos said. ”Physically and psychologically, the team is in good shape and that shows on the field.”
Del Bosque called on his players to heed that same advice and avoid distractions.
”We’re still not qualified,” Del Bosque said.
Spain moved to within two matches of tying Brazil’s record 35-game unbeaten run, which it could break if it reaches the semi-finals without a loss.
With Torres and Villa both scoring, the odds look good to at least match the record.
”We don’t think about that,” Ramos said. ”We think only about the next game.”
Del Bosque suggested that a switch of his starting 11, which was nearly identical to the one that won Euro 2008, could be in order.
Fans would not take kindly to seeing Torres on the bench, however, as the Liverpool striker was cheered with nearly every touch of the ball – even in the warm-up before kickoff.
”I’m very happy with the treatment I’ve received from the public,” Torres said. ”I hope that we can also play our part in next year’s World Cup, too.” — Sapa, AP