Reigning European champion Spain will head into this summer’s World Cup in North America with ambitions of adding a second global title to its name.
Before Luis de la Fuente’s side departs for the tournament, it will play two warm-up friendlies, starting with a clash against Iraq on Thursday at the Estadio de Riazor in La Coruña.
What may once have looked like a straightforward fixture now carries more weight. Iraq arrives full of confidence, back at the World Cup for the first time since 1986 after progressing through AFC qualifying and defeating Bolivia in the intercontinental play-offs, determined to prove it will not be simply making up the numbers this summer.
Here’s what to expect from the clash between La Roja and the Lions of Mesopotamia.
