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Barcelona midfielder Iniesta wins praise for Spain performance

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta was hailed as the difference for Spain in their victory against Chile.

Cesc Fabregas, who was sent on in the 64th minute as a replacement for Alvaro Negredo, may have won the match with his goals, but it was Iniesta who claimed most of the plaudits.

Fabregas said of his new Barca team-mate: "The entrance of Iniesta changed the game. He played very well, scored a goal and gave an assist."

Chile coach Claudio Borghi said: "It's been a game of two halves. Chile have clearly been better than Spain in the first half, playing with precision and speed.

"But in the second half Iniesta has appeared on the pitch and torn us to shreds. I've never seen anybody like him play in such a simple yet such an effective way. He has taken the ball from us and made us run after it as if it was a shadow."

Another of Iniesta's club-mates, Xavi added: "Andres is capable of doing these things with the goal from outside the area. He can make the difference and he showed that again here."

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