World and European champions, Spain have warned the Super Eagles that they were not going to take it easy with them when both sides clash in a FIFA Confederations Cup Group B match on June 23 in Fortaleza.

The Spanish side have been in imperious form in the competition and are already being tipped to win the Cup. After beating Uruguay 2-1 in their opening match, the La Rojas followed that result up with another victory over Tahiti yesterday.

Described as a “bullfighter in no rush to kill” by Marca, Spain’s top sports newspaper, Coach Vincente Del Bosque’s side go into their match against Eagles in ominous form.

Speaking ahead of the game, the former Real Madrid coach, said that it was important for the La Rojas to maintain their status unbeaten against the Super Eagles, adding that they were going to apply the pressure on the African champions.

“We need to keep improving with every game. The match against Nigeria will be a tough test but we are ready to get the three points. This competition is good in a way that it allows us to test our strength against all continental champions. We would not take it easy on our opponents. We will push them to the limit and I expect a very interesting match”, said Del Bosque.

Spain’s smooth run at the ongoing Confederations Cup has earned them accolades from the Brazilian press. “Nobody plays like Spain”, Luiz Augusto Simon said in ‘UOL Esporte’, comparing Vicente del Bosque’s side to “a bullfighter who’s in no rush to kill the bull”.

“Spain win when and how they like. Winning in their own style, without turning their back on something so many people around the world forgot about”, he added in obvious reference to the “jogo bonito” (the beautiful game) that has frequently been used to describe the style of football played by Brazil.

“As usual, Spain knocked its opponent onto the ropes early and enjoyed continuous possession with a tiki-taka passing style”, said Greco, who thinks that: “Unless there’s a monumental surprise, which can happen in football, Spain will reach the final”.