Spain may have qualified for the Euro 2012 quarter-finals in top spot in Group C but boss Vicente del Bosque admits they had to battle to get past Croatia 1-0 on Monday night.
The European and world champions required an 87th-minute goal from substitute Jesus Navas after Andres Iniesta’s central ball to clinch the win to put them through the next stage.
Croatia had their chances with two decent penalty shouts turned down, while Ivan Rakitic might have done better with a header from Luka Modric’s cross midway through the second 45.
Del Bosque admitted it had been a battle for his side, who had to graft their way to victory.
“We were lacking penetration – they closed up the spaces well and that caused us a lot of problems. We had some nervous moments, especially when Iker Casillas made that save (from Rakitić’s header),” he said.
“We talked before the game and knew they were going to play the way they did. In the end my players resolved a messy issue that a draw might have represented.
“It was a difficult win and one we had to battle for, as our opponents did.”
Del Bosque said he was happy to see his side grind out the win despite not playing overly well and added he had no preference for who to face in the quarters, with France, England and Ukraine all potential opponents.
“The result was a good one for our team. When you don’t have your greatest game but manage to win, it gives you confidence,” he said.
“I have no preferences regarding who we face in the next round. We will just look to play well and resolve whatever issues arise out on the pitch.”