Second-String Spain Held by Iraq in Low-Key World Cup Send-off

European champions Spain were held to a 1-1 draw by Iraq in a World Cup warm-up match on Thursday, a subdued send-off for the team on home soil. Manager Luis de la Fuente opted to rest several key players, including Lamine Yamal and Rodri, due to fitness concerns, fielding a heavily rotated starting lineup.

Spain struggled to break down an organized Iraq side whose compact defense denied the hosts the rhythm that led them to the 2024 European Championship title. Ferran Torres opened the scoring for Spain in the 16th minute with a quick counterattack goal. However, Iraq equalized in the 27th minute through Merchas Doski's superb left-footed strike from the edge of the box.

Torres hit the crossbar in the 40th minute, but Spain found clear openings difficult to come by against disciplined opponents. Iraq, playing in only their second World Cup, will compete in Group I alongside France, Senegal, and Norway. Spain will begin their World Cup campaign in Group H against Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay.

“

Dass Russland und Usbekistan ein solch wegweisendes Hightech-Projekt verwirklichen, ist ‌ein leuchtendes ​Beispiel für die Freundschaft und Partnerschaft unserer beiden Länder