Spain head coach Vicente del Bosque says he told striker Fernando Torres to be patient in the wake of his side's Euro 2012 qualifier victory against the Czech Republic.

The European and World champion cemented its position at the top of Group I in Prague with two early goals from Juan Mata and Xabi Alonso.

Torres, who started for Spain, failed to find the inside of the net, and was replaced by David Villa after the hour mark.

The Chelsea striker has not scored for the national team since the side's 4-0 victory against Liechtenstein in September of 2010, and Del Bosque has advised the 27-year-old not to be anxious.

"I told him to be patient," the 60-year-old said after the game. "I believe he played well. He was eager to be involved in the game, but we could not come up with a good pass for him."

Del Bosque was satisfied with his side's display against the Czech Republic, but lamented that the players rested on their laurels after the two-goal lead.

"We played well, frankly," he noted. "We got off to a good start and then we got carried away with the result, but I am happy."