Jesus Navas' first international goal for Spain was enough to secure a 1-0 win over South Korea in Austria.
European champions produce unconvincing display against Korea
Jesus Navas' first international goal for Spain was enough to secure a 1-0 win over fellow World Cup finalists South Korea in Austria.
Sevilla winger Navas' stunning effort four minutes from time earned Spain an 11th successive victory to stretch their current impressive run to just one defeat in 47 games.
Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque opted to start with a side made up largely of fringe players, and aside from a Cesc Fabregas effort that hit the crossbar, they created little to worry South Korea in the opening period.
The South Koreans, who suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Belarus on Sunday, did not create many problems either before half-time, although they did come close twice.
The first was in the 13th minute when Kim Jung-woo tried his luck from 25 yards and Spain goalkeeper Jose Reina was rooted to the spot as his shot whistled not too far wide of the near post.
The second opportunity was on the stroke of half-time when Reina did well to deny Park Chu-young and Lee Chung-yong in succession after the duo had combined well on the edge of the area.
Fabregas fit again
In between those two incidents, Spain came the closest to breaking the deadlock when the fit-again Fabregas struck the woodwork in the 35th minute.
The Arsenal captain, whose future is the subject of intense speculation with Barcelona keen on his services, had plenty of time to pick his spot from 18 yards but saw his curling shot clip the crossbar and go over.
Fabregas was given some playing time after resuming full training following a cracked fibula, but Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, who is recovering from knee surgery, was not risked.
Del Bosque made just the one change at half-time, giving Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes his debut in place of Reina, but it was not until the Spain coach made a batch of substitutions just before the hour mark that the European champions took control.
Those changes saw David Villa, Xavi, Xabi Alonso and Pedro Rodriguez sent into the action, and substitute South Korea goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong soon found himself under increasing pressure.
Javi Martinez fired over before Jung saved from Navas and Villa.
Huh Jung-moo's side almost caused a stir in the 83rd minute when Lee Jung-soo beat Valdes to a free-kick into the area, but his header went wide of goal and Spain could breathe again.
Immediately after that Villa fluffed a great chance to put Spain ahead, while two minutes later the newly-signed Barcelona striker was denied by Jung.
Jung could do nothing about the goal that beat him moments later, though, as Navas buried a magnificent rising shot into the roof of the net to seal the win.
