A dominant Spain were at their best as they cruised to a 2-1 win over Uruguay in their opening game of the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil.

The world and European champions were on top from the first whistle as the Copa America champions struggled to get a touch of the ball.

Iker Casillas got the nod ahead of Victor Valdes to start in goal while striker Roberto Soldado was put up front. The latter would enjoy the first chance of the game three minutes in but he couldn't finish off a pass from Jordi Alba.

Cesc Fabregas would then go on to hit the post in the eighth minute while Andres Iniesta tested the goalkeeper from the edge of the area six minutes later.

Spain's effort would be rewarded with a goal in the 20th minute though as Pedro saw his volley take a wicked deflection and beat the goalkeeper.

A rare sight of goal for Uruguay saw Edinson Cavani test Casillas off of a Luis Suarez free-kick but moments later Soldado smacked the ball into the back of the net at the other end after being played in by Fabregas.

Gerard Pique then sent an effort straight at the goalkeeper following a corner as the Spaniards went into the break with a comfortable advantage.

Chances slowed after the interval but Uruguay continued to be frustrated as Spain held onto the ball for long periods, and occasionally threated with a surge forward.

Iniesta and Pedro sent shots just wide of the target while Diego Forlan failed to test Casillas with a free-kick in a decent position with less than 20 minutes to go.

Suarez, who bagged a few stunning goals for Liverpool from free-kicks this season, showed that he was a real threat from the deadball situation with a phenomenal curling strike from outside the area with two minutes to go.

It was too little too late though as Spain saw out the final few minutes to secure all three points.