Team balance will be the factor on Thursday against rival Italy

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque evoked the spirit of Total Soccer by claiming that Jordi Alba's brace against Nigeria at the Confederations Cup demonstrated that his players are comfortable in any position.

Needing a draw to book a semifinal date with Italy, Spain made an ideal start to Sunday's Group B fixture in Fortaleza when Alba slalomed through the Nigerian defense to give the world champion a third-minute lead.