Spain defender Raul Albiol believes it is a positive sign that his side win so many matches late on after Jesus Navas' 86th-minute earned the European champions a 1-0 friendly triumph over South Korea.
That was the second time in five days that the Spanish had left it until the final minutes to secure victory after Fernando Llorente's injury-time effort saw them defeat Saudi Arabia 3-2 on Saturday.
It was also the latest in a long line of last-gasp Spain winners over the past two years, with Argentina, Turkey, Belgium, Greece and Sweden all having been defeated by goals in the final five minutes.
Albiol said following last night's win over South Korea: "Since 2008 we've been winning games in the final minutes, this is important as it means the team are working until the last moment, and our opponents suffer from fatigue more than us. The team have had patience and that is good."
Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque opted to start with a largely second-string side against South Korea, and it was not until near the hour-mark when David Villa, Xavi, Xabi Alonso and Pedro Rodriguez were introduced that the European champions started to take control.
Villa had a couple of good chances to put his side ahead and Navas was also denied by South Korea substitute goalkeeper Sung-Ryong Jung as Spain looked increasingly dangerous.
However, it needed a magnificent 25-yard piledriver from Navas to finally make the breakthrough and improve Spain's remarkable record over the last few years to 44 victories - including two after extra time - in 47 matches, with just one defeat.
Albiol said: "We struggled to get the goal, but the team is building rhythm after a long time without playing international matches. I think we're fine, the ones who played were practically all those that didn't play the other game.
"There have been positive things and the important thing is that we won."
However, the Real Madrid defender was keen not to get too carried away even though their stunning run of form means they are being widely tipped for World Cup glory this summer.
"We are strong but calm and we need to work with humility and know that it doesn't mean anything to be favourites," he added.
Navas' goal was his first for Spain in what was only the Sevilla winger's fifth appearance for his country.
Navas, 24, had long been considered one of Spanish football's most promising players but he did not make his senior debut until November's friendly against Argentina due largely to his problems with anxiety and panic attacks when away from home for extended periods.
Speaking after his wonder strike, Navas said: "I feel well at home with my team-mates and I'm very happy with the goal, but is it the culmination of the work of all the team.
"I'm very happy with the work of the team, especially in the second half, because we've always looked for the goal. This is the line to follow. We can play with or without wingers.
"The goal is proof that I feel good with my team-mates, I'm enjoying it and that's good."
Spain left-back Joan Capdevila added: "It's was a great goal, it is the prize for his work at Sevilla and the Spanish national team, I'm delighted for him."
