Spain Egypt Draw Leaves Bitter Taste Ahead Of World Cup, Pedri Saysnewsline24

Spain left RCDE Stadium frustrated after a 0-0 draw with 10-man Egypt in an international friendly. The European champions dominated but failed to turn pressure into a final warm-up win before the summer World Cup. Spain also slipped from first to second in the FIFA rankings after the result.

The match followed Spain’s 3-0 victory over Serbia earlier in the international break, yet this performance brought fewer rewards. Egypt, missing injured forward Mohamed Salah, defended deep and relied on Mostafa Shobeir’s goalkeeping. Spain created chances but could not find a way through, despite long spells of control.

Spain attempted 25 shots, with an expected goals figure of 2.3, yet hit the target only six times. Shobeir dealt with those efforts to preserve Egypt’s clean sheet. It was Spain’s highest shot count without scoring in any competition since June 2010, when a 1-0 defeat to South Africa saw 26 attempts.

The draw was also notable because Spain had previously dominated African opposition in competitive and friendly games. Before facing Egypt, Spain had won 12 of 16 matches against African teams, drawing two and losing two. Egypt, reduced to 10 players, therefore claimed a result that stood out against recent history.

Barcelona midfielder Pedri reflected on the missed opportunity and the mood in the dressing room after the match. “It leaves a bitter taste. We wanted to get the victory,” Pedri told Teledeporte. “They are a team that tries to play, and without the ball, they get back, and it is difficult to get in. We had to give more rhythm to the ball [in the second half]. In the first, we were a little slow and in the second, better. Everyone is looking forward to the World Cup. Now we have to focus on our clubs and wait for the World Cup that we all want.”

Spain’s meeting with Egypt was also the last outing before Luis de la Fuente finalises the squad list for the World Cup. Unlike several other national teams, Spain have not scheduled further friendlies before the tournament. The next official fixture is the Group H opener against Cape Verde on 15 June.

Squad decisions and Spain Egypt friendly shape De la Fuente plans

De la Fuente used the March window to look at several fresh options in competitive situations. New call-ups included Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia, Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera, Real Sociedad winger Ander Barrenextea and Osasuna midfielder Victor Munoz. Each player aimed to convince the coaching staff ahead of the squad announcement.

Some established names were absent from this Spain camp and will hope performances at club level change that. Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Dani Carvajal, Robin Le Normand and Raul Asencio did not feature. Euro 2024 winner Alvaro Morata was also missing, adding another decision for De la Fuente in attack.

Asked how the coming two months would look while final choices are made, De la Fuente outlined his process. “It will not be different from what we have been doing. Player monitoring is key,” De la Fuente added. “There will be detailed information and then a follow-up of all the rivals. But the most intense part is the detailed monitoring of the coach.”

Spain’s draw with Egypt, combined with France’s victories over Brazil and Colombia, changed the top of the FIFA rankings. Spain dropped from first place, with France moving above. “This shows what a number one is in any activity,” the Spain boss said. “Conceding a draw, there’s a team that does a little better than you and passes you. It’s a great lesson to see that you have to give your best in every game. It’s a great motivation to try to recover it in the next game.”

Spain now return players to clubs with mixed feelings after controlling two friendlies but winning only once. The coaching staff leave with extensive data from the Egypt stalemate, extra information on newcomers and a reminder from the rankings. Every competitive match, including the opener against Cape Verde on 15 June, will carry clear importance.