Spain have everything else, and now it seems to have a genuine striker — the one thing the World Cup champions have had trouble finding.
New no. 9 Roberto Soldado scored with a perfect finish in Spain’s 2-1 victory over Uruguay. The Valencia striker scored both goals in Spain’s 2-0 victory over Ireland in a friendly last week, and now he’s chalked up the deciding goal against Uruguay on the biggest stage of his career.
With the most powerful midfield in the world, Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has often played with a so-called “false no. 9,” usually an attacking midfielder. This may be history with Soldado — which means “Soldier” in Spanish.
“First of all, to be among the 23 to be on the team is great,” Soldado said after Sunday’s victory. “But then to be a starter is a radical change. And then to score. Of course I’m happy.”
Soldado said he was hoping he would get a start, saying he felt he’d been playing well and had caught Del Bosque’s eye for the World Cup warm-up tournament.
“Being here is a dream,” said Soldado, who is playing in his first major championship for Spain. “Playing with these guys is a dream that doesn’t feel real, particularly in an official match like this one,” Valencia’s top-scorer in 2012-13 season added.