The Spanish media was in a critical mood after the European champions struggled to a late 3-2 win over minnows Saudi Arabia on Saturday in Innsbruck.
Spain, who is among the favourites to win the World Cup, needed a late goal from young striker Fernando Llorente to beat the Saudis.
Madrid radio station Cadena SER said on Sunday that “the team will need to be much sharper in both penalty areas in the World Cup.” They were critical of goalkeeper Iker Casillas, whose mistake led to the first Saudi goal.
Rival radio station Cadena COPE , for its part, was critical of Spain for being “slow and ponderous in moving the ball around ... It was not difficult for the opponents to read our game plan.” Sports daily AS said that the match brought “both good and bad news.” The good news, according to AS, was the return to form of midfielder Andres Iniesta, whose Barcelona season was ruined by various muscle injuries.
Iniesta was important in linking midfield and attack when Spain triumphed at Euro 2008.
AS was also positive about Llorente, calling him a “useful man to come off the bench when the attack needs multiple livening up.” The bad news for AS was the poor form of striker David Villa — although he did score one of the goals — and of Casillas.
Casillas has not enjoyed the best season of his career with Real Madrid while Victor Valdez, who is also in the squad, has performed better between the posts for Barcelona.
