Slow starters Spain worry coach Saez

Spain coach Inaki Saez has expressed concern over his team's poor start in their 2-1 victory over Peru in a friendly international on Wednesday.

"We made too many mistakes and made it too easy for our opponents at the start," Saez told reporters.

"We found ourselves facing a team that was stronger than we expected and one that was very well organised and they created a lot of problems for us in the first 10 minutes."

"I think we were just too soft at the start of the game. I did think, though, that the pace would have to drop and we managed to turn the game around because of our own pride as much as anything else."

Peru began at a blistering pace and dominated the opening exchanges at the Olympic stadium in Barcelona. After creating several early chances they took the lead with a fine strike by Aston Villa midfielder Nolberto Solano in the 21st minute.

Saez's side struggled to stem the tide of Peru attacks, but just as they looked as though they might be overwhelmed by the South Americans they hit back with two goals in two minutes.

Joseba Etxeberria made the most of a poor clearance by the Peru defence to crack home a close-range volley on 31 minutes and fellow midfielder Ruben Baraja headed in at the far post after a fine cross from Vicente on the right from the restart.

Spain settled after their quick-fire comeback but although they controlled the game for much of the second half they were unable to take advantage and extend their lead.

Valencia midfielder Baraja said the team struggled to adjust to the pace set by Peru and added they would need to rectify the problem before the European championships in Portugal.

"It was a tough game and we found it a difficult match against them early on. We know we are going to have to improve a great deal before Euro 2004 but the positive thing was that we worked hard and were able to turn the game around."

Spain face Denmark in their next friendly in Gijon on March 31 and travel to Italy at the end of April to fine tune their preparations for the tournament that starts in mid-June.