Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta believes his side can learn a lot from their bruising victory over tough-tackling Argentina.

Although the match was only a friendly, Argentina had little intention of giving Spain an easy night.

The visitors went in strongly and picked up six bookings along the way, compared to just one for Spain.

Despite the physical approach, Spain still recorded a 2-1 win which further emphasises why they are one of the favourites to win the World Cup next summer.

And Iniesta believes that experiences like Saturday night will stand the European champions in good stead.

"There were a lot of ugly challenges," Iniesta told Spanish newspaper AS. "The referee is the one who has to impart justice, but I wasn't thinking about that, only about not getting hurt.

"I had to jump in the air a couple of times, especially from a tackle by (Fabricio) Coloccini, if I had been caught...

"We've beaten Argentina and we've been left with a good feeling about our play. It's a good lesson for the World Cup."

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque added: "It's been a good test for Spain. It's not been a surprise, we expected a tough game.

"It's not a criticism, but a compliment for Argentina. They don't recognise centenaries or friendlies and that seems very good to me."

Striker David Villa believes the South Americans were lucky not to have at least one player sent off.

"It was quite a rough match. If it hadn't have been a friendly, one of their players would have had to have gone for an early shower," he said.

"It's rare that they would have finished the game with 11 players, but it's the referee who does or doesn't allow things.

"By playing with this toughness they achieved what they wanted, to stop our play."

Argentina coach Diego Maradona said of his side's tactics: "Argentina didn't go out to kick people.

"The kick by Villa without the ball on (Gabriel) Heinze is a red card in any part of the world and it wasn't given. Argentina were not tough, we played to the limit and from there it depends on the referee."

Meanwhile, Villa wishes next year's World Cup finals were already here after Xabi Alonso's brace meant Spain have won 40 of their 43 fixtures since the start of 2007 - including two after extra-time - with their only defeat coming against the United States at this summer's Confederations Cup.

"There is already the desire to be in the World Cup, although before then we need to play in the league," said the Valencia striker.

While Villa, who was the leading scorer as Spain won Euro 2008 and has netted 33 goals in 53 appearances for his country, is certain to be going to South Africa barring injury, Jesus Navas will be hoping to press his claims over the next few months after making his debut last night.

The Sevilla winger has long been considered one of Spanish football's most promising players but had never played for the senior national side before, mainly due to anxiety and panic attacks when away from home for extended periods.

However, the 23-year has worked on coping with those issues and appeared as an 82nd-minute replacement for Andres Iniesta last night.

"I'm very happy," Navas said after the match. "I've worked very hard to be here. At last the day has arrived and I will remember it forever.

"It was a match against a strong side. We've managed the game well and this is why we've achieved the win. 'La Roja' are good in every aspect.

"There is a very good atmosphere in the national team and we are good team-mates."