Uruguay win lifts Spain for bigger test against Serbia

Spain's performance in their 2-0 friendly victory over Uruguay on Wednesday augured well for next month's World Cup qualifier against Serbia & Montenegro, said coach Luis Aragones.

"Spain played well, particularly with the rhythm and speed we set in the first half," the 67-year-old told reporters after the game in Gijon.

"We're improving, which is important in World Cup year and I was pleased with the way the game turned out against a team containing some quality players."

Spain play another friendly against Canada on September 3 as they fine-tune their preparations for their Group Seven qualifier against Serbia & Montenegro in Madrid four days later.

Aragones' side lead Group Seven by a point from the Balkan side, but have played a game more than their opponents who have yet to concede a goal in qualifying. The teams drew 0-0 when they met in Belgrade in March.

On Wednesday Spain dominated a timid-looking Uruguay, although once more they failed to take full advantage of a hatful of scoring chances and luck had a hand in both their first-half goals.

The outstanding Vicente created his side's opener after 25 minutes when he jinked his way into the area, but the ball ended up in the net only when Uruguay midfielder Pablo Garcia turned the winger's wayward shot past his own keeper.

The second came from a questionable penalty, Raul going to ground under pressure from Diego Lopez after he had lost control of the ball in the area and Vicente converting from the spot.

Aragones tried Fernando Morientes out up front alongside his former Real Madrid colleague Raul in the first half, but the Liverpool striker made little impact on his return to the national side.

"Morientes isn't yet up to full speed although his stamina was good," said Aragones.

"We created plenty of chances, but it seems that when that happens we lack accuracy in front of goal. We have plenty of good strikers but they sometimes they appear to get blocked."

But Aragones was clearly happier with the performance of his midfield.

"Xavi and Xabi (Alonso) added extra pace and movement to the ball in midfield and Vicente is in extraordinary form, he's getting better all the time. The important thing is that the 22 players in the squad are all pressing hard and that is what I like to see."