Madrid, April 1 (IANS) Spain completed its preparations for this summer's FIFA World Cup finals with a 0-0 draw against Egypt in a friendly at Espanyol's RCDE Stadium.
Coach Luis de la Fuente made sweeping changes to the side that beat Serbia 3-0 on Friday, with David Raya in goal, Ferran Torres leading the attack, Carlos Soler starting in central midfield and Real Sociedad winger Ander Barrenetxea making his international debut, reports Xinhua.
Spain produced a disjointed display and Egypt came closest to scoring in the first half, when Omar Marmoush struck the woodwork with an effort from outside the area.
Victor Munoz came on at the start of the second half, while Pedri was also introduced as Spain looked to improve. Both Pedri and Ferran Torres went close, but the hosts were unable to find a breakthrough.
Goalkeeper Joan Garcia replaced Raya to make his debut in the 62nd minute, and received a mixed reaction from a crowd largely made up of supporters of Espanyol which he left to join Barcelona last summer.
Borja Iglesias also threatened for Spain before being fouled by Hamdi Fathy with five minutes remaining. Alex Grimaldo then hit the post from the resulting free kick, but Egypt held on for a creditable draw.
The result gives De la Fuente plenty to consider before he names his final World Cup squad.
With this draw, the Egypt achieved all of its goals from the first gathering in preparation for the World Cup after its victory over the Saudi national team (4-0) and then the draw that felt like a victory with the global football giant on its home ground and in front of more than 40,000 of its supporters without any goals.
Spain will play Peru in Mexico on June 8 before opening its World Cup campaign against Cape Verde on June 15.
--IANS
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