An opportunist strike from Raul and a superbly struck 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.

Raul, who has been the subject of an intense 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 struggled to press home their advantage against their hard-working opponents, but managed to extend their lead when Reyes sent a dipping free kick into the top corner early in the second half.

Luis Aragones's side, who are now unbeaten in 21 games, drew 0-0 against Russia [Images] last weekend and complete their World Cup preparations against fellow qualifiers Croatia in Geneva next Wednesday.

They begin their World Cup campaign against Ukraine in Leipzig on June 14 and then face Tunisia and Saudi Arabia in their remaining games in Group H.

"We are improving," said Aragones. "But I'm not completely happy because we still have to refine some aspects of our play. We gave the ball away too easily and gifted them several chances from which they could have scored."

Raul, back in the starting lineup at the expense of Luis Garcia, put his side ahead just before a quarter of an hour was up with a trademark strike.

The Real Madrid [Images] striker steered into the empty net from five metres out after Egypt keeper Essam Al Hadari had spilt a 20-metre drive from left back Antonio Lopez.

POSSESSION

It was Raul's 43rd goal in 94 games, but his first for either club or country since October last year.

Although they enjoyed the better of the possession, Spain lacked direction in midfield and it was Egypt who looked in better shape at the end of the half.

Hosni Abd Rabou sent a low angled shot skidding past the far post after he had outstripped Lopez on the right and fellow midfielder Mohamed Aboutrika went close with a sharp shot a minute later.

Spain continued to look a little vulnerable at the back at the start of the second half, but they went 2-0 up when Reyes scored with a superbly struck 20-metre free kick in the 57th minute.

The Arsenal [Images] forward lifted the ball over the wall and sent it spinning into the top corner beyond the reach of Al Hadari.

Aboutrika had a great chance to pull a goal back after Iker Casillas sliced a clearance into his path, but he missed the target.

The Spain keeper atoned for his error, though, when he made a great full-stretch save to keep out a bullet header from substitute striker Abdelhalim Ali 12 minutes from time.