Barcelona: European champions Portugal spurned a two-goal lead against Tunisia, stumbling to a 2-2 draw, as France, one of the World Cup favourites, flexed their muscles with a comfortable 2-0 win over Ireland in warm-up friendlies played Monday night.
Portugal were without their captain Cristiano Ronaldo and Tunisia exposed defensive frailties in Fernando Santos’ side which Group B opponents Spain, Morocco and Iran will try to exploit.
Andre Silva and Joao Mario fired Portugal ahead in Braga but Tunisia’s speed on the counter-attack was a problem for the hosts. Anice Badri and Fakhreddine Ben Youssef pulled the African side level, proving they will be no pushovers for Group G favourites Belgium and England, as well as Panama.
France put in a strong performance in Paris, with goals from Olivier Giroud and Nabil Fekir not telling the complete story of their dominance against Ireland.
Impressive surges from full backs Benjamin Mendy and Djibril Sidibe showed Les Bleus have attacking power outside their collection of talented forwards and Didier Deschamps’ team selection highlighted their squad depth.
Antoine Griezmann, Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante did not start but Giroud, Fekir and Corentin Tolisso impressed in their absence.
Iran suffered a blow to their confidence, losing 1-2 in Istanbul against Turkey, who have not qualified for Russia. Cenk Tosun scored both goals for the home team early in each half. Ashkan Dejagah netted from the penalty spot in the 92nd minute to give the visitors a consolation.
Forward Son Heung-min lashed home from distance as South Korea beat Honduras 2-0 in Daegu, to get their preparations for Russia off to a good start.
Former Barcelona B midfielder Lee Seung-woo, now at Hellas Verona, impressed on his debut and pushed his claims to be included in coach Shin Tae-yong’s final 23-man squad.
Other results
Nigeria 1 DR Congo 1
USA 3 Bolivia 0
Wales 0 Mexico 0
