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 on Monday. Referee Georgi Kabakov (C) gives a yellow card to Harry Arter (L) during a soccer friendly match between France and Ireland at the Stade de France in Paris, France. Italy failed to reach the World Cup but began a new era with Andrea Belotti adding a second goal, but Saudi Arabia hit back thanks to Yahya Al Sheri and could have grabbed a late equaliser. Their revival gives them hope of competing well in World Cup Group A, where hosts Russia, Uruguay and Egypt await. Nigeria were frustrated in a 1-1 draw with DR Congo in Port Harcourt which does not bode well for their challenge of qualifying from World Cup Group D which also includes Argentina, Iceland and Croatia.

Source: New Strait Times May 28, 2018 23:15 UTC