Del Bosque keeps lid on Soldado exploits

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque is eager to keep Roberto Soldado’s feet on the ground after his hat-trick against Venezuela on Wednesday.

Del Bosque also resisted the temptation to claim that Soldado had vindicated his call-up ahead of Fernando Torres.

The forward has effectively taken Torres’ place in Del Bosque’s squad and the Valencia striker made the most of his international recall by netting three times during the second half of their 5-0 win at La Rosaleda.

However, when pressed on the contrast between Soldado’s performance and Torres’ recent outings for the national team, Del Bosque replied: “It would be unfair to go into pointless comparisons.”

“Soldado was very good. He finished off what his team-mates created.”

“But everyone’s performance will be assessed and those who show they are in good condition will go to the Euros.”

“The first half was one game and the second half another. These goals (for Soldado) do not mean that we neglect the work of others.”

“In praising Soldado we must emphasise the works of (Santi) Cazorla, (Jesus) Navas and Jordi Alba at a time when the game was much more comfortable.”

Del Bosque, though, is predicting a long and illustrious career at international level for Athletic Bilbao’s teenage forward Iker Muniain, who replaced Cesc Fabregas with 15 minutes remaining.

“I told him before he went on to do what he does for his club: to get involved and to move a lot,” he said.

“He is a kid who has played confidently and without fear. At 19, he has a terrific future ahead of him.”

Spain are in the same group as Italy, Republic of Ireland and Croatia at Euro 2012.