Sport
Iraq conclude World Cup preparations with a defeat to Venezuela
Key Points
Iraq conclude World Cup preparations with a defeat to Venezuela June 10 : Iraq lost 2-0 to Venezuela on Wednesday in their final warm-up friendly before the World Cup. Midfielder Cristian Casseres opened the scoring for the South Americans in Bridgeville, Illinois in the 17th minute with a close-range finish. Venezuela doubled their lead immediately after interval when Casseres won the ball before passing to striker Jesus Ramirez, who dribbled past a defender and fired in a powerful shot.
Iraq conclude World Cup preparations with a defeat to Venezuela
June 10 : Iraq lost 2-0 to Venezuela on Wednesday in their final warm-up friendly before the World Cup.
Midfielder Cristian Casseres opened the scoring for the South Americans in Bridgeville, Illinois in the 17th minute with a close-range finish.
Venezuela doubled their lead immediately after interval when Casseres won the ball before passing to striker Jesus Ramirez, who dribbled past a defender and fired in a powerful shot.
Iraq finished the match with 10 men after forward Ali Youssef was shown a straight red card in the 72nd minute.
Iraq return to the World Cup finals for the first time since their only appearance 40 years ago, and will begin their Group I campaign against Norway on June 17 before facing France and Senegal.
Venezuela is not a participant in this year's tournament in North America, and remains the only South American nation to never qualify for the World Cup finals.
Iraq (LOCATION)
World Cup (EVENT)
Venezuela Iraq (LOCATION)
Venezuela (LOCATION)
the World Cup (EVENT)
Cristian Casseres (PERSON)
South Americans (ORG)
Bridgeville (LOCATION)
Illinois (LOCATION)
Casseres (ORG)
Jesus Ramirez (PERSON)
Ali Youssef (PERSON)
Group (ORG)
Norway (LOCATION)
France (LOCATION)