Egypt frustrated Spain in Barcelona, holding the European champions to a 0-0 draw despite playing the final minutes with 10 men.
Egypt held European champions Spain to a 0-0 draw in a pre-World Cup friendly at RCDE Stadium in Barcelona on Tuesday.
Spain controlled possession and finished with 25 shots, but failed to break down Egypt’s defense. Egypt came closest in the first half when Omar Marmoush struck the post, while Spain’s best chance came late when Alejandro Grimaldo hit the crossbar with a free kick.
Egypt played the final minutes with 10 men after Hamdi Fathi saw red, but the defense held firm. Goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir made key saves as Egypt protected the clean sheet.
The draw gave Egypt a morale boost at the end of the March international window. The match had been moved to Spain after the original plan to stage it in Qatar was disrupted by regional instability.
Egypt closed their March international break with a victory against Saudi Arabia and a draw against a World Cup favorite.