Spain start with a defeat

Advantage Spain
Armando Ufarte's side made a confident start to their Group B campaign and were leading the holders within 25 minutes, Gabi striking an unstoppable shot high into the net from outside the area. Andrés Iniesta then had a chance to double the advantage but fired straight at Argentinian goalkeeper Gustavo Eberto.

Argentina equalise
However, the goal was the signal for Argentina to come into the game, and Hugo Colace and Franco Cangele both spurned opportunities to equalise. Argentina finally levelled six minutes after half-time, with Fernández nodding in at the near post.

Deciding goal
Sergio García continued to threaten for Spain but the momentum was now with the South Americans, and the Spanish rearguard was breached for a second, deciding time on 74 minutes when Fernández scored with another fine header. In the other Group B game, Uzbekistan were beaten 3-2 by Mali, who registered a last-minute winner through Bakary Aly.

Czechs are held
In Group C, meanwhile, the Czech Republic could only draw 1-1 with Australia in their opening match. David Limbersky put the European side ahead on 24 minutes but, in a game where the southern hemisphere team dominated 58 per cent of possession, the Australians equalised through Scott McDonald on 49 minutes. In the same section, Brazil overcame Canada 2-0 with Daniel Carvalho and Nilmar scoring in the second half.

Slovakian interest
Finally Slovakia, 4-1 victors against the hosts, UAE, in Thursday's tournament curtain-raiser, will have noted with interest the result in the other Group A match on Friday: Burkina Faso beating Panama thanks to an 81st-minute goal from Aristide Bance.