Spain beat Uruguay in their opening match

World and European champions Spain got their Confederations Cup campaign off to a winning start here Sunday with a 2-1 victory over Uruguay in Group B.

Spain took the lead on 20 minutes with a shot from Pedro which deflected in off Uruguay captain Diego Lugano before a wonderfully worked goal from Roberto Soldado made it 2-0 on 32 minutes.

Uruguay spent the remainder of the game chasing shadows as Spain dominated possession with their trademark passing game, before Liverpool striker Luis Suarez curled in a free-kick in the 88th minute to pull a goal back for the South Americans.

The win put Spain on top of the standings in Group B ahead of Nigeria's game with Tahiti on Monday.