Del Bosque happy but admits Spain lacked 'the last pass' against Ireland

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque was satisfied with his side’s performance in their 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland in New York, but thought they could have been more clinical in front of goal.

The European and world champions saw off Giovanni Trapattoni’s side thanks to second half goals by Roberto Soldado and Juan Mata in what was their final friendly before they head to the Confederations Cup in Brazil, which begins on Saturday.

“We achieved what we came to do, nobody was injured and nothing bad happened in the run-up to Brazil,” said Del Bosque.

“We showed a good level of concentration and had most of the ball, but lacked the last pass.

“We did a good job on their counter-attack, so I’m leaving satisfied. We put in a good performance, we were superior and we should have won by more goals.”

The coach stressed that both his side’s friendlies in New York, a 2-1 win against Haiti and the Ireland match, had helped them prepare for the Confederations Cup.

“Physically we are better – and in fact, better now than when we came. We head to Brazil in good shape.

There is a good atmosphere in the team and the players are relaxed after such an intense season.

“We are confident, but we have to pay attention to all our opponents in the Confederations Cup, because they are all good sides.”

Although Del Bosque said before the match that the team he put out against the Republic Ireland would be very similar to the one that would play in Spain’s opening match of the Confederations Cup with Uruguay, he refused to confirm his starting line-up for the match on Sunday.

“Everyone in this squad is very good, every player is a regular starter for their respective clubs and we have a very difficult task in choosing the best players from a great group,” he said.

“We have many options and they are all good ones.”