Iraq send World Cup message with Spain draw

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraq held European champions Spain to a 1-1 draw in a friendly match, continuing their remarkable preparation for the 2026 World Cup and providing further evidence that the Lions of Mesopotamia could be prepared to play on the largest platform of football. The outcome completed an incredible trip for Iraq, who qualified earlier this year and are getting ready for their first World Cup participation in forty years. Ferran Torres gave Spain the lead in the sixteenth minute, but Iraq rallied before halftime with a spectacular long-range attempt from defender Merchas Doski that got goalkeeper Joan Garcia off his line and into the back of the net. Iraq frustrated the 2010 world champions with a disciplined defensive showing and many crucial stops from goalkeeper Ahmed Basil, despite Spain controlling possession for the most of the game. Iraqi midfielder Merchas Doski celebrates after scoring Iraq’s equaliser. Photo: Reuters As the squad gets ready for a challenging World Cup group that includes Norway, France, and Senegal, the performance will build confidence inside the Iraqi camp. After decades away from the international scene, few predicted Iraq would make it to the tournament, but under coach Graham Arnold, the national squad has gradually improved and now seems ready to take on more seasoned opponents. The draw also demonstrated Iraqi football’s increasing self-assurance after a period of revival that resulted in their first World Cup qualifying since Mexico in 1986. Iraq’s last warm-up match is against Venezuela. On June 16, they will face Norway to begin their World Cup campaign. On June 22 and June 26, they will play France and Senegal, respectively. Spain had a disappointing final home match before leaving for the United States, Canada, and Mexico, where they are among the favorites to win the World Cup trophy. But for Iraq, the draw seemed like yet more indication that the nation’s eagerly anticipated return to the largest football stage could involve more than just being there. The post Iraq send World Cup message with Spain draw appeared first on Iraqi News.