Stuttgart: It was not as eye-catching as their opening victory over Ukraine but Monday's 3-1 win over Tunisia showed that Spain have discovered two ingredients vital for World Cup success: self-belief and a winning mentality.
In their first game, Spain gave a masterclass in smooth, passing football as they dismantled the Ukraine midfield and cruised to a 4-0 win that earned them the admiration of all who watched the Group H match.
Against Tunisia it was a different story altogether as Spain fell behind to an early goal, struggled to break down the North Africans' rock-like defence and looked as though they might be heading for their first defeat in 24 matches.
But Luis Aragones's side dug deep, stayed patient and, with the inestimable help of substitutes Cesc Fabregas, Raul and Joaquin, eventually found the keys to unlock the Tunisian back four.
Raul grabbed the equaliser with a trademark poacher's goal after a Fabregas shot 19 minutes from time and Fernando Torres latched on to a slide-rule pass from the young midfielder to add the second soon after.
Torres then wrapped things up with a stoppage-time penalty to take his World Cup tally to three and make him the leading scorer in the tournament.
"It was harder than we expected but it is important to win any way you can," Torres said.
"The team showed spirit and did not get downhearted when they were behind. Some days we play well and win and on others we have to suffer and that is what happened this time."
The victory, which assured Luis Aragones's side of a place in the last 16 and will almost certainly see them progress as winners of Group H, proved that this Spain side are no one-game wonders.
"We had to work hard, but this team knows how to be patient and how to fight back," said Raul, whose goal took his international tally to 44 in 96 appearances.
"It was a difficult game and early on we were trying to do things too quickly but we got the goal and the side played far more fluently."
Aragones will have the luxury of being able to rest some of his key players in the final group game against Saudi Arabia on Friday while giving the second stringers a chance to press their claims for a place in the starting lineup.
Sports daily Marca's comment on Monday's victory summed up the mood in the Spain camp. "Spain have shown that they are serious about this World Cup, very serious."
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