Helguera has voiced his feelings (Allsport)

By David Anderson, PA Sport, Ulsan

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Ivan Helguera has voiced his frustration at sitting out Spain's opening World Cup win over Slovenia.

Helguera was annoyed that he did not even get on as a substitute in the 3-1 win in Gwangju.

The Real Madrid star feels he deserves to start as he was one of Spain's success stories at Euro 2000.

Helguera had started in Spain's last proper warm-up match against Northern Ireland in April, but was left out for Slovenia.

The 27-year-old, who has won 22 caps, claims his plight with Spain is mirrored at Real and he is upset that he has to keep proving himself.

The forthright midfielder said: "It really annoys me not getting a game.

"It's the same at home every year with Madrid. Every year they cut my head off and I have to prove myself time and time again.

"But that just seems to be the way it goes. I don't know why and some players have to suffer more than others to get a game."

Helguera will be hoping his chance comes in Spain's next Group B game against Paraguay in Jeonju on Friday.

Luis Enrique claims the mood in the camp could hardly be better going into the game after they finally ended their first game hoodoo or 'racha' as they say in Spanish.

Before their 3-1 win over Slovenia, Spain had not won an opening game at a World Cup since 1950.

Luis Enrique claims everyone is much more relaxed and confident because of this landmark win.

"The result the other day was historic for Spain in that it brought that jinx to an end," he said from the Spanish training camp in Ulsan.

"We're going into the Paraguay game with a much more relaxed attitude and we're much more confident.

"That victory has proved to be the perfect tonic for us."

He added: "Paraguay will be difficult and I think they could be our most difficult rivals.

"Spain have been boosted by the news that left-back Juanfran has returned to training after coming off against Slovenia with a knee injury.

However striker Diego Tristan is still receiving treatment for his left ankle injury.