Late Iago Aspas goal gives Spain friendly win over Tunisia

A late Iago Aspas goal gave Spain an unconvincing 1-0 win over Tunisia in their final warm-up game before the World Cup.

The former Liverpool striker came off the bench to make the difference, smashing home a finish after some good hold up work from Diego Costa. However, despite the victory there is much for Spain manager Julen Lopetegui to ponder.

Rodrigo was favoured in attack from the start, but Spain struggled to create much in the opening 45 minutes, with Tunisia making life difficult for the 2010 World Cup winners, who are expected to be challengers once again in Russia this summer.

It was only when Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez, as well as Aspas and Costa, introduced off the bench that Spain started to carry more of a threat in the final third of the pitch. Now, both teams will turn their attentions to the World Cup.

Spain started with Andres Iniesta, Isco and David Silva in the attacking midfield positions, with Thiago Alcantara and Sergio Busquets anchoring in the centre of midfield. It didn’t work, though. It was only when Isco was sacrificed for a more direct player like Vazquez that space started to open up in attack for Spain. This gives Lopetegui a decision to make before his side’s group opener against Portugal next week. What does he do with his midfield?

He only played 30 minutes, coming off the bench with Spain struggling to create goalscoring opportunities, but Asensio made the difference for his side. Just as he has done many times for Real Madrid this season, Asensio changed the game. That is a good option for Lopetegui to have off the bench, but might it be best to start Asensio from the first whistle?

Tunisia - Mathlouthi 6, Bronn 5, Ben Youssef 6, Meriah 7, Maaloui 6, Skhiri 5, Sassi 5, Khaoiu 6, Badri 6, Sliti 6, Ben Youssef 5. Subs - Khlifa 5, Benalouane 5, Haddadi 5, Ben Amor 6, Srarfi 5.

Spain - De Gea 5, Odriozola 5, Pique 5, Ramos 5, Alba 6, Busquets 6, Thiago 5, Silva 5, Isco 5, Iniesta 6, Rodrigo 6. Subs - Nacho 5, Koke 7, Costa 7, Aspas 7, Vazquez 7, Asensio 7.

33’ WHAT A CHANCE! That should be 1-0 to Tunisia. Sliti should have finished a cross from a matter of yards out, but he didn't get the right connection and sends it wide of the target.

34’ ALBA DOWN! This is a concern for the Barcelona and Spain left back. Alba appeared to suffer a knock in the mayhem that led to the chance for Sliti. He's back up on his feet now, though.

83’ GOAL! Tunisia 0-1 Spain: The deadlock has finally been broken! A long ball forward to Costa caused mayhem in the box, he cut it back to Aspas who made no mistake in smashing a low finish into the back of the net through the bodies.