Spain edge South Korea in warm-up match

European champions Spain eked out a 1-0 victory over South Korea in a World Cup finals warm-up match in Innsbruck yesterday.

The match had promised to be an exciting meeting with Spain hoping to exorcise the ghosts of the 2002 World Cup when they were beaten by South Korea in a controversial quarter-final in which the Spaniards had two goals disallowed.

But the two sides failed to impress during much of the game, with just eight days to go before the tournament kicks off, despite a late goal by Jesus Navas.

Playing before a packed house, Spain had merely seemed to be giving playing time to many of their injured players, while South Korea failed to convert some good efforts.

The Koreans engaged in attacking mood at first, spurred on by a loud contingent of South Korean fans.

A couple of efforts by the Spaniards, however, soon sparked faster offensive play at both ends.

A ball from Sergio Ramos was headed away after 27 minutes and Cesc Fabregas, back from injury, hit the post with a good effort after 35 minutes.

In what was one of the best chances of the game, Celtic's Ki Sung-Yueng fired in a superb shot on goal after 67 minutes only to be blocked by a team-mate, who accidentally headed the ball away.

The pace accelerated in the last 15 minutes with both sides attacking more consistently and Sevilla striker Navas finally netted after 86 minutes with a superb strike.

Spain are one of the favourites to win the World Cup for the first time. Until now, their best result was a fourth place in 1962.

Vicente del Bosque's team play one last friendly against Poland on June 8 in Murcia, before flying down to South Africa, where they will face Switzerland, Honduras and Chile in the group stage.

South Korea will meanwhile play their first group match against Euro 2004 winners Greece on June 12 in Durban, followed by two-time World Cup winners Argentina and Nigeria.