Del Bosque pleased at Spain win, upset a Pique jeers

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque was a happy man after seeing his side produce one of their best performances for a long time to defeat Slovakia 2-0 in their European Championship qualifying tie.

First half goals from Jordi Alba and an Andres Iniesta penalty were enough to give Spain a comfortable win in which they controlled 75 percent of the ball and which also takes them ahead of Slovakia in their qualifying group.

"We picked up three very important points and clears up the future. Now we need to beat Macedonia (next Tuesday)," said Del Bosque, who had only one complaint - his side should have scored more goals with all of the possession they enjoyed.

"We had too much play for the few chances we created," said Del Bosque, who defended striker Diego Costa, who again failed to find the net while wearing a Spain shirt.

"I'd like him to score, but he worked well. Against a team that sits deep as Slovakia did, he is the one who has the toughest job. He moved, he took defenders with him...," said the Spain coach.

Perhaps the biggest disappointment of the night was that a section of the fans in Oviedo decided to boo and jeer Barcelona defender Gerard Pique. Del Bosque defended his player.

"I think the whistling of Pique is lamentable. It's very unpleasant behavior from those who do it. If you come to watch football, you should watch football. Pique was great," said Del Bosque. Endi