Enrique sings when he's winning

This World Cup is Luis Enrique’s third and, almost certainly, final one - and the Barcelona ace claims he has a ‘‘good, good feeling’’ about leaving the Far East with a winners’ medal.

The 32-year-old starred in Spain's 3-1 opening group B victory over Slovenia on Sunday and can now see the glint of gold in his eyes as the Spanish progress confidently towards what should be their second decisive match in Jeonju on Friday.

If Spain do evenwin this group they are likely to face either Cameroon or Ireland in Suwon in the second round with Portugal potential quarter-final opponents.

Following the dismal failures in 1994 and 1998, as well as experiencing more heartache at Euro 2000, it is a combination of matches which gives Spain hope of genuine progress.

And many feel that one of the finest players of his generation in Spain deserves to be part of a side whichy buries the demons of disasters from the past.

He said: ‘‘Now we have got through our first match with a convincing win, I believe this is the World Cup for Spain.’’

‘‘I believe Spain can win the tournament, I have a good, good feeling about us and the way we have started. That feeling is that we can win it.’’

Spain weathered an early and late Slovenian storm on a night of intense humidity to score fine goals through Raul and Juan Valeron plus a late Fernando Hierro penalty, after substitute Sebastjan Cimirotic had given Slovenia hope with eight minutes to go.

But Spain were worthy winners, turning in an assured display with few of the tensions usually associated with Spanish matches in the World Cup.

Enrique added: ‘‘We were positive throughout, and confident. And it was good that our defence were strong, we needed that because we all were aware of the record of not winning a first match in this tournament for 52 years.

‘‘We could not afford to let in an early goal, it would have put us under pressure we didn’t need.’’

Enrique, who won his 58th cap, added: ‘‘There were some good individual performances throughout our side and Javi De Pedro was excellent on the left and man of the match.

‘‘We had to be aware. The African countries and Denmark have already shown they can play well in this competition so we had to be very conscious of what Slovenia can do.’’

But with Spain’s track record it’s right that there has to be an element of caution after just one performance, however assured it may have been.

It came from young goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who made one outstanding early save to steady a few nerves.

He said: ‘‘There’s no point in us talking about quarter-finals and semi-finals just yet, we must only concentrate on the Paraguay game next and make sure we do the job properly.’’

However, not everyone was impressed by Spain.

Not surprisingly, Slovenian striker Milan Osterc - prompted by disappointment at seeing two penalty appeals turned down - said: ‘‘I wasn’t inspired by Spain, in fact I thought they would be better than that.’’

However, some of his colleagues could see a little further than their own pain in defeat.

Goalkeeper Marko Simeunovic said: ‘‘Spain are a strong side. Raul played well and we couldn’t contain him, even though we tried our best.’’

Skipper Ales Ceh added: ‘‘Spain showed their talent as a strong team. I thought we did well in the first half but they got stronger and took control of a long spell after the break.’’

But midfielder Amir Karic, viewing final group matches with South Africa and Paraguay, has not lost hope.

He said: ‘‘We have two games left and it’s not impossible for us to qualify still, I still believe we have a good chance.’’