Debutants Uzbekistan started the game on the front foot and caused early problems for Spain with Abbosbek Fayzullaev and Jasurbek Jaloli­ddinov combining well to prevent their opponents from finding their rhythm.

Spain came alive in the 10th minute with Gomez threatening as the game kicked into high gear two minutes later when Uzbekistan keeper Abduvokhid Nematov saved Alejandro Baena’s free-kick before Arnau Tenas foiled Umarali Rahmonaliev at the other end.

Uzbekistan looked more threatening than their opponents as Umarali Rakhmonaliev tested Tenas from inside the box with a curling effort in the 14th minute, while Shomurodov almost found a way through the Spanish defence two minutes later before being challenged inside the box.

However, it was Spain who broke the deadlock in stunning fashion just before the half-hour mark when Gomez’s free-kick was nodded by Baena onto the path of Abel Ruiz to strike home past Nematov.

Uzbekistan wasted a flurry of chances, including a set-piece from a dangerous position which was struck straight into the path of Tenas by Jaloli­ddinov in the 38th minute.

The White Wolves, however, were thrown a lifeline in the closing stages of the half off a VAR decision with Shomurodov converting from the spot to level the score.

Spain had a chance to retake the lead in the 58th minute when the referee pointed to the spot following a foul on Aimar Oroz but Nematov dived the right way to deny Gomez’s penalty.

Gomez, however, redeemed himself three minutes later when he finished off Juan Miranda’s pass from inside the box.

Uzbekistan will aim to bounce back when they take on Egypt on Matchday Two, while Spain play Dominican Republic.