With videos
France suffered a surprising defeat against Ivory Coast on Wednesday evening. The team of national coach Didier Deschamps gave up the match after halftime: 1-2. Spain also failed to meet expectations by drawing 1-1 against Iraq.
In the run-up to the World Cup, the two top countries are still looking for the right form. There seemed to be no problem for top favorite France when Rayan Cherki opened the score just before half-time.
After the break, national coach Deschamps made many changes and that had an effect. Ivory Coast performed better in the second half. This quickly reflected itself on the scoreboard. Guéla Doué, the brother of Desiré who plays for France, put his country on level terms: 1-1.
The evening became even more painful for France with Amad Diallo’s late goal. The Manchester United winger remained calm face to face with Mike Maignan and caused a big celebration at Ivory Coast with his decisive goal: 1-2.
France will practice against Northern Ireland on Monday. On June 16, Deschamps’ team will play its first match at the World Cup against Senegal.
Spain does not visit Iraq
Spain was unable to overcome Merchas Doski’s fine equalizer. Iraq’s right back saw goalkeeper Joan García standing a little too far in front of his goal and decided to try his luck. It resulted in a wonderful goal.
Just before that, Spain had taken the lead through Ferran Torres in the 16th minute. But after the goal, Spain had increasing difficulty with Iraq. The country also disappointed in the second act, leaving the score at 1-1.
Spain will play another friendly match against Peru on June 9. On June 15, the team of national coach Luis de la Fuente will start the World Cup against Cape Verde.
liveblog
FRA-IVO: End of second half
Five minutes of extra time
Will there be another winner for France against Ivory Coast?
FRA-IVO: 1-2 GOAL by Amad Diallo!
A stunt in the making for Ivory Coast! Diallo gives Ivory Coast the lead just before the end, and that can hardly be called unjustified. The away team plays well in the second act.
SPA-IRK: End of second half
Spain cannot get further than a 1-1 draw. In the second half, the home country disappointed against the much lower ranked Iraq.
FRA-IVO: Rayan Cherki is replaced by Warren Zaire-Emery
FRA-IVO: Wilfried Singo is replaced by Ousmane Diomande
Drinks break at France – Ivory Coast
Does either country want to force another goal? After the goal of Doué is disappointing on the France side, although it must be said that they almost have a completely new team in place.
Time is running out for Spain
Iraq is holding up well for the time being against a strongly changed Spain. The away team has not yet run into major problems in the second act, apart from a big chance García.
FRA-IVO: 1-1 GOAL by Guéla Doué!
Ivory Coast comes alongside against France! Doué remains cool face to face with Maignan. With brother Desire Doué, who is on the bench for France, can still laugh about it. He can soon play a significant role in the brothers’ struggle.
There are more family links this World Cup. Read here which other players will go to the final tournament with their brother.
FRA-IVO: Second half kicked off
SPA-IRK: Yellow card for Zaid Ismael
Iraq comes out of the locker room strong
The away team has the better of the game for the time being. Garcia was grabbing from Iraq’s first corner in this match. Ultimately, the Barcelona goalkeeper managed to clear the ball.
SPA-IRK: Second half kicked off
Spain has something to make up for in the second half, after Iraq’s surprising equalizer.
Iraq’s nice goal against Spain
FRA-IVO: End of first half
France is better and this is also visible on the scoreboard through a goal by Cherki.
FRA-IVO: Yellow card for Franck Kessié
FRA-IVO: 1-0 GOAL by Rayan Cherki!
Creates with a beautiful foot movement Cherki has exactly the space he needs to get a shot off. The sequel is not bad either; with a precise shot he gives France the lead just before half time.
Ivory Coast almost ahead
Tchouaméni first misses an opportunity and a minute later he loses the ball, putting Ivory Coast 1-on-1 with goalkeeper Maignan. The France goalkeeper makes a clever save. So far, Les Bleus has had its hands full with a fresh and energetic Ivory Coast.
SPA-IRK: End of first half
Torres gave the Spaniards the lead, but Doshi returned the favor on behalf of Iraq. The players go to tea with a surprising score of 1-1.
Torres almost with his second for Spain
While falling, the Barcelona attacker encounters the goalkeeper Basil. Torres could have done his country a good service with his second goal of the evening.