Pedro admits Spain are finding it harder

Barcelona winger Pedro has admitted that Spain are finding it more difficult to break through opposition defences.

The world and European champions continued their progress to next summer's World Cup with a 2-0 win over Finland on Friday, but the 26-year-old has claimed that "it is very difficult" to open up teams that are defensive.

"We have taken an important step, but we have to win both remaining home games to make sure of reaching the World Cup and achieving our goal," Pedro told reporters at a press conference. "The Finland game was very difficult, but the important thing was that we won and we did that.

"Almost 50, 60 or 70% of the games we play, it is against very defensive opponents and that is very difficult. For the forwards, it is maddening because you have no space to move, to lose your marker, to enter from out wide, it is very difficult to play games like that.

"Opponents respect us a little more. After winning the World Cup and European Championship, it is reflected in opponents coming out to play us in a different manner."

Spain face Chile in a friendly on Tuesday.