Johannesburg: Despite a morale-boosting World Cup win over Honduras, Spain is still scrambling to find its game ahead of a potential Group H decider against Chile.
Spain bounced back from a 1-0 defeat to Switzerland with Monday's 2-0 victory over Honduras but still couldn't quite replicate the quality of football that led it to the European Championship two years ago.
"I get the feeling that against a stronger rival we would have been an easier opponent," Vicente Del Bosque said Tuesday, "and that worries me."
Chile leads Group H with six points ahead of Friday's match at Pretoria's Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Spain and Switzerland share three points, while Honduras has none.
Spain spent most of the game inside Honduras' half and, despite David Villa's double, should have scored more with Fernando Torres' looking rusty in his first start back since right knee surgery. Torres missed three chances while Villa also missed a penalty.
But most worrying is the team's lack of pace from midfield — one of its strengths — as quick and angled passing was replaced by slow buildup.
Del Bosque left David Silva on the bench alongside Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas, using Jesus Navas on the right flank with Xabi Alonso and Sergio Busquets playing as holding midfielders. During its Euro 2008 run, Spain usually only relied on one defensive midfielder with Xavi Hernandez leading the offensive blitz.
"They are two midfielders who create play, they are the ones who start the attack. I don't see this defensive tag we've been given," Del Bosque said. "We haven't changed anyone's function — but not every player can play."
Even Xavi didn't quite look himself at Ellis Park, according to former coach Luis Aragones, who remained critical of Spain's performances as it changes its nature from the Euro 2008 winning team.
"Xavi shows such commitment to us, and he likes to do things well and in a certain way. But I don't think there's much difference with where he played compared to his spot with Barcelona," Del Bosque said. "He links with Alonso and Busquets very well. I'm happy with his play."
Iniesta did not make an appearance as Del Bosque rested the Barcelona midfielder after he hurt his right leg against the Swiss.
The victory did give Spain a better chance of reaching the elimination stages, where a potential matchup with Brazil or Portugal could await. But first it must beat Chile to be sure of having a chance.
"We shouldn't think that because of our past we'll triumph in the future," Del Bosque said.
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