FIFA World Cup Contenders France and Spain suffered unexpected setbacks in their final preparations for the tournament on Thursday, with Ivory Coast holding the French 2-1 and Iraq holding Spain to a 1-1 draw in thrilling warm-up results.At the Stade de la Beaujoiere in Nantes, Ivory Coast came from behind to hand Didier Deschamps a surprise defeat just days before Les Bleus depart for the United States.France cruised to victory after Ryan Churkey’s superb individual effort gave the hosts the lead in first-half stoppage time. Goalkeeper Yahya Fofana had already denied. Kylian MbappeMichael Oleis and Cherky will keep Ivory Coast in contention.Two brothers in the spotlightThe African side hit back eight minutes into the second half when Guela Doué, whose younger brother Désiré Doué was among the France substitutes, pounced on Nicolas Pepe’s pass to equalise.With six minutes remaining, Guela Doué turned provider, sending Imad Diallo a low cross from the right to head home the winner and complete a memorable victory.Deschamps, who will step down after the World Cup after a 14-year spell that included the 2018 title and a runner-up finish in 2022, rested several players involved in the Champions League final. France play Northern Ireland in a final warm-up before opening their campaign against Senegal on June 16.
Spain’s Jon Martin heads the ball ahead of Iraq’s Murchas Doski and Akam Hashim. (AP Photo)
Spain also stumbles.Another title favourite, Spain also endured a disappointing evening after being held 1-1 by Iraq in La Coruna.Without injured stars Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, Spain went ahead in the 16th minute through Ferran Torres. But Mirczas Duski’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 Zobemendi.Spain will face Peru in another warm-up match before starting their World Cup campaign against Cape Verde on June 15.With the tournament still days away, Thursday’s surprising results served as an early reminder that fame falls short once the World Cup drama begins.
