Del Bosque urges Torres patience

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque says he told striker Fernando Torres to be patient after his side’s 2-0 victory against the Czech Republic.

The European and world champions cemented their position at the top of Euro 2012 qualifying Group I as two early goals from Juan Mata and Xabi Alonso set up the victory in Prague.

Torres, who started for Spain, failed to find a goal and had little impact on the game before being replaced by David Villa after the hour mark.

The Chelsea striker has not scored for his national team since Spain’s 4-0 victory against Liechtenstein in September last year, and Del Bosque has advised the 27-year-old not to be anxious.

“I told him to be patient,” Del Bosque said after the game.

“I believe he played well, he was eager to be involved in the game, but we could not come up with a good pass for him.”

Del Bosque was satisfied with his side’s display against the Czechs, but lamented that the Spaniards rested on their laurels after racing out to a two-goal lead.

“We played well, frankly,” he said. “We got off to a good start and then we got carried away with the result, but I am happy.”