SPAIN 2 URUGUAY 1 | FIFA CONFEDERATIONS CUP GROUP B RESULT

 It was an exhibition, at least the first half. The World Champions Spain defeated 2 - 1 the South American Champions Uruguay in the opening Group B game of the FIFA Confederations Cup. The first match is always vital to win as it sets the team on course & Spain surprised everyone, Uruguay & spectators, with the high level achieved tonight at Recife ( Brazil ). However,  & to their credit , Uruguay managed to save their image towards the end with their goal.

Soccer Spain

The other news for Spain was the start of Iker Casillas & Roberto Soldado in the opening XI & the no use tactically of the "double midfield pivot" system by Spanish Coach Del Bosque. This last element gave Spain a more attacking edge & more domination in the midfield which showed as Spain had virtually total ball possession. 

Spain touched perfection at certain moments tonight & from this came their two goals. The first from Pedro in the 19th min when he hooked a loose ball that got a deflection from a Uruguayan defender & went into the net.

Spanish football

The second goal came in the 31st min from another excellent build-up that included a brilliant & surgical pass from Cesc Fabragas that found Roberto Soldado who powered the ball into the net.

The second half was more Spanish domination & at times a true bath over Uruguay that deserved more goals for Spain but the chances did not get converted. Keeping the intensity up so long is difficult under steamy & humid conditions & Spanish Coach Del Bosque began making changes to give others a run.

Uruguay managed to win back their pride with a fabulous 88th min Luis Suarez free-kick goal that beat Spanish keeper Casillas all out, it was unreachable & this lifted Uruguay to attempt to equalize with a now tired Spain on the field.

In the end Spain held out their opponents, managed the win & the three points leaving a clear path open for Tahiti up next & Nigeria as their last Group match.

Spain Football Team 2013

Special mention to Spanish midfielder Xavi Hernandez who was a "maestro tonight" along with another magician of the ball Andres Iniesta who was outstanding. Busquets played well, Cesc Fabregas very good, as was Soldado who fought hard in attack & defended well. In a nutshell, Spain look very strong & is at a high level which hopefully they can maintain & thus get them far in this Confederations Cup. Excellent match.

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