Spain all figured out?

SEVILLE, Spain (AP) ― Opponents may be starting to figure out Spain.

In its last warm-up before the European Championship, the World Cup champion showed off all its virtues in a 1-0 victory over China on Sunday: possession, slick passing and intricate combinations. But the absences of David Villa and Carles Puyol were also glaring.

The Spanish defense was lucky to escape without conceding a goal after several lapses, and its wealth of midfield talent can be rendered ineffective without a striker capable of converting its numerous chances. Fernando Torres and Alvaro Negredo failed to score, a concern going into Sunday’s Euro 2012 opener against Italy, a more formidable opponent.

It took Andres Iniesta’s entrance after halftime to sway the game in Spain’s favor, as the World Cup star linked up perfectly with David Silva for a late winner. The pair of playmakers jelled naturally while Xavi Hernandez, Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso struggled to break through China’s disciplined defense.

“We’re going into games well prepared. The thing is that our rivals are better prepared for us and make it more difficult,” said Vicente del Bosque, who surpassed Luis Aragones as the longest-serving national team coach after his 55th match.

Iniesta, who scored the extra-time winner in the 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands, will be one of the linchpins of Spain’s attack at the tournament with all-time leading scorer Villa missing.

“Andres makes everything easier,” Silva said.

Spain’s midfield is stacked with talent thanks to Juan Mata and Santi Cazorla, but Cesc Fabregas’ return from a hamstring injury is important if Xavi is not in top form after a season spent battling a calf injury.

Ronaldinho signs with Atletico Mineiro

SAO PAULO (AP) ― Ronaldinho signed with Brazilian club Atletico Mineiro on Monday, less than a week after leaving Flamengo and suing his former team for unpaid wages.

Atletico Mineiro said it reached a deal with the former two-time FIFA player of the year until the end of 2012. The announcement was made just hours after television images showed Ronaldinho practicing with Atletico players in the city of Belo Horizonte earlier in the day.

“I returned to Brazil to win titles and now I’m having a new opportunity,” the 32-year-old Ronaldinho said at a news conference. “I’m arriving at the club to give my best and to try to help Atletico win titles. I’m motivated and focused on doing my best. I feel like I still have many good years left in my career.”