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Ivory Coast Shocks France 2-1 in World Cup Tune-Up
5 Jun
Summary
- Guela Doué scored and assisted as Ivory Coast beat France 2-1.
- France conceded a late winner after initially leading the match.
- Both Spain and Ivory Coast are preparing for upcoming World Cup matches.
Ivory Coast secured a surprising 2-1 victory over France in a World Cup preparatory friendly. Guela Doué proved to be the pivotal player, first equalizing eight minutes into the second half and then providing the assist for the winning goal six minutes from time. France had initially taken the lead in the final minute of the first half through a strike from Rayan Cherki. Goalkeeper Yahia Fofana made several crucial saves for Ivory Coast, denying French chances from Kylian Mbappé and others.
This friendly also held personal significance for Guela Doué, whose brother Désiré Doué plays for the French national team. The match served as a final tune-up for France before they head to the United States for the World Cup, where they will face Senegal on June 16. Ivory Coast will open their campaign against Ecuador on June 14.
In another friendly, Spain was held to a 1-1 draw by Iraq. Ferran Torres scored for Spain, but Iraq equalized before halftime. Spain's coach expects Lamine Yamal to be fit for their World Cup opener against Cape Verde on June 15 in Atlanta. Iraq will play Norway in their World Cup opener.
