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BELGIUM 0-2 SPAIN

Lopetegui lauds performance as Spain beat Belgium

Spain coach Julen Lopetegui also said that Álvaro Morata, who was forced off in the first half in Brussels, was substituted "as a precaution".

Lopetegui lauds performance as Spain beat Belgium
Sergio BarrenecheaEFE

Spain coach Julen Lopetegui spoke of his satisfaction with his side's display after defeating Belgium in Brussels in his first match in charge of La Roja.

"A good performance"

A double from David Silva handed the Spanish a 2-0 victory at the King Baudouin Stadium on Thursday night, and Lopetegui said: "We're happier with the account the lads gave of themselves than the result. It was a good performance."

The ex-FC Porto boss, who was appointed as Vicente del Bosque's replacement in July, continued: "The players showed a real willingness to work for the team, and the effect of that was clear to see. I think they enjoyed themselves."

David Silva celebrates with Sergio Busquets during Spain's win in Belgium.
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David Silva celebrates with Sergio Busquets during Spain's win in Belgium.ERIC VIDALREUTERS

Morata "has a knock"

On Álvaro Morata, who limped off midway through the first half in Belgium, Lopetegui said the Real Madrid striker had been substituted "as a precaution".

"He has a knock", the 50-year-old explained. "He felt like he might have picked up a muscle problem, but fortunately he hasn't."

Liechtenstein up next

Lopetegui's first competitive fixture at the helm comes on Monday as Spain host Liechtenstein in their opening World Cup 2018 qualifier.