Spain 1-1 Iraq: Doski Equaliser Denies European Champions Warm-Up Win

Spain’s preparations for the World Cup ended with frustration as Iraq held the European champions to a 1-1 draw at Estadio Abanca-Riazor, with Merchas Doski’s superb first-half strike cancelling out Ferran Torres’ opener and denying Spain a winning send-off before the squad travels to Mexico.

The result extended Spain’s unbeaten run in regulation time to 29 matches, stretching back to a 1-0 friendly defeat against Colombia in March 2024, yet the performance left questions, as Spain dominated the ball and chances but struggled for fluency, especially after multiple substitutions from both teams disrupted the game’s flow.

Spain began with intensity and almost struck inside eight minutes when Alex Baena cut in from the left, drilling a low shot across goal that Ahmed Basil pushed wide, before the breakthrough arrived as Dani Olmo released Torres in Iraq’s half, and Torres drove into the area then slipped a clever reverse finish beneath the goalkeeper.

Iraq responded against the pattern of play shortly before the half-hour, when Doski collected possession wide on the left, spotted Joan Garcia off the line and lifted a looping effort from outside the penalty area that dropped into the far corner, while Basil soon denied Olmo from a tight angle and then diverted Torres’ long-range drive onto the crossbar.

After half-time, Spain introduced Jesus Rodriguez and Gonzalo Garcia, yet both missed presentable chances as the team’s structure became less coherent, while Iraq also rotated heavily, and the many changes from both benches slowed the tempo, fragmented combinations and limited clear openings until Yeremy Pino drove a late attempt from distance that failed to trouble Basil.

Spain vs Iraq draw reflected in match statistics and xG numbers

Across the 90 minutes, Spain produced 13 shots, struck the frame of the goal twice and generated 1.36 expected goals, yet the finishing lacked precision, and Iraq’s compact defence held firm, while Iraq attempted only three shots, hit the target with two, created 0.15 expected goals and relied on Doski’s clinical moment.

Spain vs Iraq draw offers lessons for both World Cup campaigns

Spain still travel to Mexico with strong form and depth, yet this display highlighted issues in converting sustained pressure into goals, whereas Iraq will draw belief from holding the European champions as the team prepares for a demanding World Cup assignment in the so-called "Group of Death" with France, Norway and Senegal.

Individually, Baena stood out for Spain with a tireless showing, registering a team-high three shots, creating three chances for team-mates and attempting 12 passes in the final third, a figure surpassed only by Torres’ 15, while Iraq gained further assurance from Basil’s sharp goalkeeping and Doski’s decisive strike.

The 1-1 Spain vs Iraq draw therefore capped Spain’s World Cup build-up with a mixed message, combining another match without defeat and several promising attacking spells with concerns over finishing and cohesion, while Iraq departed with greater confidence after matching a major European side in both resilience and key moments.