Football
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Spain coach Vincente del Bosque: We lacked precision in Belarus win

Spain manager Vicente del Bosque said he was hoping for more in the attacking third in theĀ 1-0 win over Belarus in Group C Euro 2016 qualifying.

David Silva scored the lone goal for Spain, who sit second in the group, but the team failed to convert on any of their other 12 shots on goal.

The scoreline aside, Del Bosque felt they kept Belarus in check and was happy with the outcome.

"We lacked precision in the final third but controlled the game well," he said. "Barring the first 15 minutes of the second half, we gave away very little. However, we've added three more points that allow us to stay in a good position in the group. We've taken another step towards France."

Del Bosque also talked about his squad makeup as they prepare for a matchup with group leaders Slovakia.

"We play Slovakia in September and I've been working with a broad range of players," he added. "Since our last World Cup match against Australia, seven new players have come in. All my players are definite starters for their clubs and playing at the top of their game."

Meanwhile, David Silva said he was pleased after lifting Spain to an important triumph at Belarus.

"I'm delighted with the win and to have clinched three points that get us closer to next year's tournament in France,'' Silva told the Spanish Football Federation's website . "Of course, I'm all the more thrilled because of my goal.

"I feel an important player in the national team and I hope I will continue to be.''

Spain failed to make the most of their chances to kill the game off and Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas had to come to the rescue with key saves for La Roja.

Casillas had not played against Costa Rica four days earlier, with Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea taking his place in between the posts, but he returned to the starting line-up.

"Iker did a great job and he proved to everyone he is the best,'' Silva said. "We had clear chances to score but the Belarus goalkeeper also made good saves.

"The important thing is that we won. We now go on holiday with a smile on our faces as we have won an important game.''

The win kept Spain second in Group C, three points adrift of pool leaders Slovakia and three points clear of Ukraine.

Slovakia and Ukraine won their respective games, with the top two teams qualifying for Euro 2016.

"We are in a strong position to qualify from a difficult group,'' Silva added. "Ukraine and Slovakia are not losing ground and they are doing a good job but we are right there.''

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