Yugoslavia snatched a 31st-minute goal on the break after soaking up Spanish pressure, but Alfonso levelled six minutes before half-time.

Sinisa Mihajlovic, back after a one-match ban for a red card against Slovenia, unleashed a ferocious drive which swerved over the bar in the third minute.

Ivan Helguera sparked Spain into life with some magical control inside the Yugoslav penalty area, twisting on to his right foot and driving a low shot inches wide.

An intricate Spanish free-kick move ended with a loud penalty appeal. They thought a Yugoslav hand had stopped the ball in a crowded goalmouth, but French referee Gilles Veissiere played on.

Goran Djorovic limped off in the 12th minute and was replaced by Jovan Stankovic, who was immediately tested by an overlap from Michel Salgado.

The Real Madrid full-back crossed for Alfonso, unmarked in front of goal, but he missed his kick completely.

Ivica Kralj leapt to his right to keep out a free-kick from Gaizka Mendieta and the Yugoslav goalkeeper was back in action moments later.

Another Salgado raid won Spain a corner on the right, which was partly cleared to Mendieta on the edge of the area.

The Valencia midfielder did not strike his volley cleanly, but Kralj was happy to scramble it round the post with Raul lurking.

After soaking up serious Spanish pressure, Yugoslavia broke out of defence with a sweeping left-wing move to take the lead.

Dragan Stojkovic triggered the 31st-minute counter-attack with a delightful backheel in midfield to release Drulovic.

The Porto midfielder sped down the left wing and delivered the perfect cross for Milosevic, who thumped a powerful header past Canizares.

Alfonso was off target with a header from Pep Guardiola's corner - but he found the net in the 39th minute.

Raul ran into a wall of Yugoslav defenders as he tried to jink into the penalty area, but the ball spilled kindly for Alfonso to fire home with his left foot.

Spain charged for a second before the break. Raul went close, and Miroslav Djukic made a vital tackle to deny Mendieta in front of goal.

Joseba Etxeberria, on for the injured Fran, squandered a good chance from Sergi's left-wing cross, a minute before half-time.