CORNELLA DE LLOBREGAT: A below-par Spain were held to a 0-0 draw by Egypt in their friendly international in Cornella de Llobregat on Tuesday, a result that sees them lose their top spot in the world rankings but is a pre-World Cup morale-booster for their visitors.
Egypt came closest in the first half when Omar Marmoush’s shot from the edge of the box hit the post, while there was little to enthuse over for Spain, who created several half-chances but little in the way of clear-cut opportunities.
The draw means Spain drop to second in the world rankings, overtaken by France, with the closest they came a thunderous free kick five minutes from the end by Alejandro Grimaldo that cannoned off the crossbar.
Egypt finished the game with 10 men after a second yellow card for Hamdi Fathy but will be pleased with a composed performance in a game that was initially set to be played in Qatar but was moved out of the Middle East due to logistical concerns.