French avoid embarrassment
France’s Kylian Mbappe struck a late equaliser as France drew with the United States 1-1 in their final World Cup warm-up in Lyon yesterday.
The 19-year-old forward reacted swiftly from near the penalty spot in the 78th minute, turning in a cross from right back Benjamin Pavard after he was released down the right flank by forward Nabil Fekir.
France missed several first-half chances and were punished in the 44th minute when the US scored with their first meaningful attack through forward Julian Green.
The goal came about thanks largely to a defensive blunder from right back Djibril Sidibe. He made a hash of a clearance and knocked the ball into the path of Green, who beat goalkeeper Hugo Lloris with a crisp shot inside the near post.
Lloris should have read the danger and was too easily beaten, especially considering he has 98 international caps.
It is the latest in a string of sloppy errors from the France No 1, who was careless for Premier League side Tottenham several times this season.
Midfielder Paul Pogba, hoping to start France’s World Cup opener against Australia, hit the post with a strike from 20m.
Moments later, he almost found striker Olivier Giroud with a deft pass with the outside of his foot. Giroud appeared to be held as he went for the ball but no penalty was given.
Spain needed substitute Iago Aspas to score a late goal to beat Tunisia 1-0 in their final World Cup warm-up in Krasnodar.
Sergio Busquets finally undid Tunisia’s defence with a long pass, and Diego Costa set up Aspas to rifle in a low strike.
Spain are undefeated through 20 matches under coach Julen Lopetegui. They start the World Cup with a highly anticipated clash against neighbours Portugal on Saturday.
Tunisia, who open against England in nine days, frustrated the 2010 world champions with disciplined defending.
Alvaro Odriozola, who started for Spain at right back for the injured Dani Carvajal, misjudged a pass by Thiago Alcantara in the 13th minute to gift Tunisia their best opportunity. Ferjani Sassi, however, shot weakly.
About 2000 fans gathered at Cairo’s main stadium yesterday to watch Egypt’s last home practice before the Pharaohs fly to their World Cup base in Grozny, Chechnya.
Egypt also unveiled its mascot, a green “Nile Crocodile”.
Qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1990, Egypt open their campaign against Uruguay.
Star striker Mohamed Salah, still recovering from a right shoulder injury sustained during the Champions League final, suited up for the celebrations but did not train with the squad.