Iraq Stuns Spain with Last-Minute Equalizer in World Cup Warm-Up Match
Spain concluded their World Cup warm-up match against Iraq with a disappointing 1-1 draw at Estadio Riazor. The match, held just before their departure to the United States, saw Luis de la Fuente’s squad field a heavily altered lineup, featuring eight debutants, many of whom will not travel to the World Cup. Key Highlights: Spain took an early lead with a goal from Ferran Torres in the 15th minute, following an impressive setup by Dani Olmo. Iraq equalized through Merchas Doski, whose strike was a surprising effort that left Joan García unable to secure the goal. The match featured a total of 11 substitutions, making it difficult to assess Spain's potential World Cup strategy. Despite the lackluster performance, the match provided valuable playing time for several players, including Gavi, who returned from injury and maintained his energetic presence on the field. However, many key players such as Rodri, Pedri, and Mikel Oyarzabal remained sidelined, raising questions about team cohesion ahead of the tournament. The structure of the team appeared different, with a 4-2-3-1 formation that may shift to a more familiar 4-3-3 in the upcoming matches. While Spain dominated possession and created chances, the inability to score more goals after the opener left fans wanting more. As Spain prepares to board their flight to Nashville, they still remain among the favorites for the World Cup, despite the mixed signals from this final preparatory game.
Source: The Guardian Sport - 2026-06-04