Raul rediscovers his touch

An opportunist strike from Raul and a free kick from substitute Jose Antonio Reyes earned Spain a 2-0 win over African champions Egypt in a World Cup warm-up match in Elche on Saturday.

An opportunist strike from Raul and a free kick from substitute Jose Antonio Reyes earned Spain a 2-0 win over African champions Egypt in a World Cup warm-up match in Elche on Saturday. The timing of Spain captain Raul Gonzalez’s latest goal, his 43rd in 94 internationals, couldn’t have been better. Not having scored since last October, Raul, who has been the subject of debate in the Spanish media as to whether or not he merits a place in the side, put his side in front when he guided home from close range after 14 minutes. Spain managed to extend their lead when Reyes sent a dipping free kick into the top corner early in the second half.

Ebi helps Poles to victory

WOLFSBURG (Germany): A solitary goal from Polish striker Ebi Smolarek gave his side a hard-fought victory over Croatia in Wolfsburg, Germany, on Saturday. Neither of the teams could find an opening before the Borussia Dortmund frontman converted a header in the 54th minute. Croatia dominated much of the remainder of the match but failed to find an equaliser before the final whistle. Croatia coach Zlatko Kranjcar remained upbeat despite the loss: “Croatia were the dominant team but did not manage to score. I’m still content, as we’re fully prepared for the showdown with Brazil.”

Czechs condemn T&T to third defeat

PRAGUE: Jan Koller scored two goals and set up another yesterday to lead the Czech Republic over Trinidad & Tobago 3-0 in their final warm-up match before the World Cup. Koller, the Czech Republic’s all-time leading scorer, scored his 41st and 42nd goals for his country, both in the first half. Pavel Nedved also scored in the 22nd minute for the Czechs.

Portugal rout Luxembourg

METZ (France): Former England managerial candidate Luis Felipe Scolari’s Portugal team had a morale-boosting 3-0 victory over Luxembourg . They struggled, though, in a goalless first half at the Stade St Symphorein but after the interval, produced a far more fluent game plan, with Simao Sabrosa scoring twice, one coming from the penalty spot. Luis Figo also got his name on the score sheet, scoring in the 85th minute.

Swiss on course after final warm-up

ZURICH: Switzerland coach Koebi Kuhn was highly satisfied with his team’s progress, after his young squad beat China 4-1 on Saturday. Rennes striker Alex Frei and FC Koln’s Marco Streller scored two goals each.