The Spanish superstar blazed a left-foot strike into the top corner from the edge of the box to give his team a fourth-minute lead against unfancied Slovenia.

The heat was on Jose Antonio Camacho's team after losing to Norway but the Real Madrid marksman eased the pressure.

Michel Salgardo's long-range shot ricocheted kindly for Raul and in a flash he unleashed a fierce left-foot drive into the top corner to open his Euro 2000 account.

The Slovenians almost gifted their opponents a second in the 13th minute. Trying to play out of defence, they were caught by Juan Carlos Valeron.

He released Alfonso but the striker dragged his left-foot shot wide. Gaizka Mendieta also tried his luck from distance but rifled his effort straight at Mladen Dabanovic.

Spain came forward in waves as Slovenia, superb in their first game against Yugoslavia before throwing away a three-goal lead, showed signs of delayed stage fright.

The minnows were fortunate to survive a sweeping right-wing move involving Pep Guardiola, Alfonso and Valeron by crowding out Mendieta in the penalty area.

Moments later, Raul flashed another warning sign as his footwork almost engineered a shooting chance from a disappointing Agustin Aranzabal cross.

Slovenia skipper Darko Milanic was booked for fouling Alfonso 35 yards from goal and will miss the final group game against Norway. Raul arrowed a header over from the free-kick.

Slovenia, who had a penalty appeal waved away in the 23rd minute, came to life on the half-hour. Ales Ceh threaded a pass to Djoni Novak on the right wing and the midfielder's cross reached Mladen Rudonja at the back post.

He took a touch before shooting and Salgardo was able to hurl his body in front of the ball and deflect it wide.

The move sparked Srecko Katanec's men into action. More intricate play found Rudonja on the left but his cross-shot drifted over the bar.

Spain almost doubled their lead on the brink of half-time. Raul exchanged passes with Alfonso but, this time, the goalscorer's left-foot volley curled wide.

Santiago Canizares was off his line in a flash to thwart Rudonja after a pin-point pass from Miran Pavlin and the Spanish keeper saved a low shot from the same player seconds later.