SPAIN coach Luis Aragones acknowledges his side can ill afford a repeat of their first-half showing against the United States if they are to make at impact at Euro 2008.
Although they would go on to win the friendly in Santander 1-0 thanks to Xavi's late strike, Spain played out a lacklustre opening 45 minutes, and Aragones is hoping not to see a repeat showing in Austria and Switzerland.
One of the main problems Aragones felt was striker Fernando Torres was too isolated up front, with his strike partner from Saturday's 2-1 win over Peru David Villa unavailable through injury.
"In the first half Fernando Torres seemed like he was an island, all on his own, and this was not good. (Although) it is true that this was whilst our opponents were at the top of their physical condition," said Aragones.
"In this half we had few chances and we lacked rhythm.
"In the second half we were able to use the wings more. Elsewhere, (Santi) Cazorla and Cesc (Fabregas) played better, and also our opponents were more tired and we were able to win."
The triumph over the US extended Spain's unbeaten run to 16 matches and while it may not have been the most convincing of performances, Aragones insists it was still a useful exercise ahead of Tuesday's Euro 2008 opener against Russia.
"In the national teams there are no games in which you play for nothing, but it is clear that it is totally different to a competitive match," he said.
"The game has served to help form the team, so that we know which players are better, physically and tactically.
"The work always serves some purpose, although if we play like we did in the first half it will be difficult to do anything."
Striker Torres, who was suffering from an ankle knock earlier in the week and only played the first half against the US before being replaced by Dani Guiza, downplayed Spain's disappointing display, pointing out the real work starts next week.
"It has been a while since we played together and these games help to get back to understanding each other, getting rhythm and confidence," the Liverpool forward said.
"The most important thing is not to pick up any injuries. We have all got our minds on Russia. We know which the important game is.
"The games against Italy and France have given us the confidence to compete with the best teams," added Torres, referring to Spain's two 1-0 friendly wins over their European rivals earlier this year.
"Now we want to show it in a tournament."
One of the main problems Aragones felt was striker Fernando Torres was too isolated up front, with his strike partner from Saturday's 2-1 win over Peru David Villa unavailable through injury.
"In the first half Fernando Torres seemed like he was an island, all on his own, and this was not good. (Although) it is true that this was whilst our opponents were at the top of their physical condition," said Aragones.
"In this half we had few chances and we lacked rhythm.
"In the second half we were able to use the wings more. Elsewhere, (Santi) Cazorla and Cesc (Fabregas) played better, and also our opponents were more tired and we were able to win."
The triumph over the US extended Spain's unbeaten run to 16 matches and while it may not have been the most convincing of performances, Aragones insists it was still a useful exercise ahead of Tuesday's Euro 2008 opener against Russia.
"In the national teams there are no games in which you play for nothing, but it is clear that it is totally different to a competitive match," he said.
"The game has served to help form the team, so that we know which players are better, physically and tactically.
"The work always serves some purpose, although if we play like we did in the first half it will be difficult to do anything."
Striker Torres, who was suffering from an ankle knock earlier in the week and only played the first half against the US before being replaced by Dani Guiza, downplayed Spain's disappointing display, pointing out the real work starts next week.
"It has been a while since we played together and these games help to get back to understanding each other, getting rhythm and confidence," the Liverpool forward said.
"The most important thing is not to pick up any injuries. We have all got our minds on Russia. We know which the important game is.
"The games against Italy and France have given us the confidence to compete with the best teams," added Torres, referring to Spain's two 1-0 friendly wins over their European rivals earlier this year.
"Now we want to show it in a tournament."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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