Two early goals proved enough tonight for Spain to ease past Uruguay in their opening Confederations Cup match.

Vicente del Bosque's side were dominant from the outset, but needed a touch of fortune to take the lead on 20 minutes.

A volley from 20 yards by Pedro flashed forcefully into the penalty area, taking a huge deflection off Uruguay defender Diego Lugano before nestling into the top corner.

Edinson Cavani then failed to generate enough power on a header to beat Iker Casillas from a tight angle, with Spain quickly taking full advantage to double their lead at the other end.

A clinical break saw Cesc Fabregas pick out Roberto Soldado with a clever reverse pass, and the forward applied the finish with a composed strike into the top corner.

Gerard Pique, Andres Iniesta and Pedro all went close to adding gloss to the scoreline early in the second half, with Spain comfortable in possession throughout.

Three minutes from time Uruguay finally mounted a response, reducing the deficit in style as Luis Suarez curled a free kick past Casillas and into the top corner.

The South Americans surged forward in search of an equaliser late on, but Spain held firm to finish the Group B opener with maximum points.

Written by
Liam Power