International Friendlies
Graham Arnold's Iraq face Norway in their Group I opener, while IR Iran begin their Group G campaign against New Zealand.
Spain 1-1 Iraq
A largely second-string Spain side were held to a surprise stalemate by Iraq, who are preparing for their first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1986.
Luis de la Fuente’s side opened the scoring through Ferran Torres, their captain for the night, on 16 minutes.
A largely second-string Spain side were held to a surprise stalemate by Iraq, who are preparing for their first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1986.
Luis de la Fuente’s side opened the scoring through Ferran Torres, their captain for the night, on 16 minutes.
But a cross from German-born left-back Merchas Doski surprised goalkeeper Joan Garcia just 11 minutes later.
Spain dominated possession and Torres hit the bar five minutes before the break, but Fuente's side – with seven players outside his World Cup squad handed international debuts – could not find a winner.
Spain dominated possession and Torres hit the bar five minutes before the break, but Fuente's side – with seven players outside his World Cup squad handed international debuts – could not find a winner.
IR Iran 2-0 Mali
IR Iran wrapped up their training camp in Turkey with a 2-0 victory over Mali. Saeid Ezatolahi opened the scoring in the 12th minute before Ramin Rezaeian doubled the advantage in the 55th minute.
IR Iran wrapped up their training camp in Turkey with a 2-0 victory over Mali. Saeid Ezatolahi opened the scoring in the 12th minute before Ramin Rezaeian doubled the advantage in the 55th minute.
The win followed IR Iran's earlier 3-1 triumph over Gambia, giving Amir Ghalenoei's side back-to-back victories before their World Cup campaign.
Team Melli will now travel from Antalya to Tijuana, Mexico, for the next phase of their preparations.
Photos: AFP
Team Melli will now travel from Antalya to Tijuana, Mexico, for the next phase of their preparations.
Photos: AFP
