FIFA World Cup contenders France and Spain suffered unexpected setbacks in their final preparations for the tournament on Thursday, with Ivory Coast stunning the French 2-1 and Iraq holding Spain to a 1-1 draw in a pair of eye-catching warm-up results.At Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes, Ivory Coast came from behind to hand Didier Deschamps’ side a surprise defeat just days before Les Bleus head to the United States.France appeared on course for victory after Rayan Cherki’s brilliant individual effort in first-half stoppage time gave the hosts the lead. Goalkeeper Yahia Fofana had already denied Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Cherki to keep Ivory Coast in the contest. Doué brothers in spotlightThe African side struck back eight minutes into the second half when Guela Doué, whose younger brother Désiré Doué was among France’s substitutes, latched onto a Nicolas Pepe pass and equalised.With six minutes remaining, Guela Doué turned provider, sending in a low cross from the right for Amad Diallo to fire home the winner and complete a memorable victory.Deschamps, who will step down after the World Cup following a 14-year tenure that included the 2018 title and a runners-up finish in 2022, rested several players involved in the Champions League final. France will play Northern Ireland in one final warm-up before opening their campaign against Senegal on June 16.
Spain’s Jon Martín heads the ball next to Iraq’s Merchas Doski and Akam Hashim. (AP Photo)
Spain also stumbleAnother title favourite, Spain, also endured a frustrating evening after being held 1-1 by Iraq in La Coruna.Without injured stars Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, Spain went ahead through Ferran Torres in the 16th minute. But Merchas Doski’s superb strike from outside the box restored parity before the half-hour mark.Coach Luis de la Fuente also rotated several regulars, including David Raya, Fabian Ruiz and Martin Zubimendi.Spain will face Peru in another warm-up fixture before beginning their World Cup campaign against Cape Verde on June 15.With the tournament just days away, Thursday’s surprising results served as an early reminder that reputations count for little once the World Cup drama begins.
