France stunned, Spain held: World Cup favorites rocked in warm-up shocks

Ivory Coast’s Emmanuel Agbadou kicks the ball past France’s Jean-Philippe Matetu on the left. (AP photo) World Cup contenders France and Spain suffered surprise 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 two gripping warm-up results.At the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes, Ivory Coast came from behind to hand Didier Deschamps’ side a shock defeat just days before Les Bleus travel to the United States.France appeared on course for victory after a superb individual effort from Rayan Cherki gave the hosts the lead in first-half stoppage time. Goalkeeper Yahia Fofana had earlier denied Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Cherki to keep Ivory Coast in the competition. The Doué 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 French substitutes, latched on to Nicolas Pepe’s pass to equalise.With six minutes remaining, Guela Doué turned provider, sending a low cross from the right for Amado Diallo to fire home the winner to complete a memorable victory.Deschamps, who will step down after the World Cup after a 14-year tenure that included the title in 2018 and a runner-up finish in 2022, has left several players involved in the Champions League final. France face Northern Ireland in one final warm-up before opening their campaign against Senegal on June 16.

Spain’s Jon Martín heads the ball alongside Iraq’s Merchas Doski and Akam Hashim. (AP photo)

Spain also stumbledAnother title favourite, Spain, also endured a frustrating night after being held 1-1 by Iraq in La Coruna.Without injured stars Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, Spain went in through Ferran Torres in the 16th minute. But Merchas Doski’s superb strike from outside restored parity before the half-hour mark.Coach Luis de la Fuente also replaced several regulars, including David Ray, Fabian Ruiz and Martin Zubimendi.Spain face Peru in their next friendly before opening their World Cup campaign against Cape Verde on June 15.With the tournament just days away, Thursday’s surprise results served as an early reminder that reputation carries little weight once the drama of the World Cup begins.