FIFA Confederations Cup: Roberto Soldado shines in Spain victory over Uruguay

Striker admits world champions should have scored more goals.

RECIFE: With one-time golden boy Fernando Torres benched it was left to a less-heralded Spanish striker, Roberto Soldado, to show that the world champions still know where the net is.

It was his goal that cemented a 2-1 Confederations Cup win over Uruguay on Sunday.

With 71% of the possession, the world and European champions should have won by a country mile. Yet Luis Suarez’s late free kick reduced the margin to a meagre 2-1.

And that prompted Soldado to admit that Spain, for all the intricate passing patterns they weave, do need to concentrate more on going for the jugular — or in future risk possibly drawing matches they ought to win.

“They were difficult opponents — they were always keeping the pressure on and trying to close us down,” said Valencia forward Soldado. His goal on 32 minutes ultimately clinched the win after Diego Lugano had deflected Pedro’s early effort for the Spanish opener.



Despite their wonderful approach play, the Spanish just could not hit the target thereafter. Soldado acknowledged that superiority has to be rubbed in terms of goals and not possession.

“We have to recognise this and it is a shame that we didn’t manage to score more goals and put the match to bed. We certainly had the chances.”

Even though Spain struggled to turn on the scoring tap, coach Del Bosque resisted the temptation to give Torres a run out.

Whatever Del Bosque’s motives for keeping Torres in cold storage, the Spanish media were more interested in his choice Sunday of Iker Casillas as keeper.

“I don’t have to have a reason for playing Casillas,” said Del Bosque. “He is one of the leaders of this squad. I do what is best for the team.”

Italy coach blasts ‘silly’ Balotelli

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli tore a strip off tearaway striker Mario Balotelli despite the controversial star grabbing the winner in the 2-1 victory over Mexico at the Maracana.

Balotelli sealed the win 12 minutes from time with a fine, muscular finish, but Prandelli was furious after the Milan striker was booked for stripping off his shirt in celebration.

“Mario needs to stop taking his shirt off after scoring a goal,” said Prandelli. “Picking up silly bookings is not a good idea in a tournament as difficult as this one.”

But as regards the performance, sparked by a sumptuous opening free-kick goal from evergreen cap centurion Andrea Pirlo, Prandelli pronounced himself satisfied with the Italians having shrugged off a limp warm-up draw against Haiti.

“It was a very tactical match but we dominated it for the most part. We stopped Mexico from finding their game and dictating the place. They came up against a very solid Italian team.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 18^th, 2013.