Andorra Fall 1-0 to World Cup-Bound Iraq in Pre-Nations League Friendly

Andorra's national football team lost 1-0 to World Cup-bound Iraq in their first pre-Nations League friendly at Estadi Montilivi in Girona on Saturday.

Iraq, ranked 57th in FIFA standings after defeating Bolivia in a playoff, took control early under coach Graham Arnold. Mustafa Saadoon broke behind the defence in the third minute for a one-on-one chance, but Álex Ruiz blocked the effort at the near post. The game's turning point arrived in the 20th minute as Ali Yousif Hashim Najatee fired a superb left-footed shot from the edge of the area, curling into the far top corner beyond Ruiz.

Andorra remained organised at the back and saw more of the ball after halftime, though scoring opportunities stayed limited. Iraq came close to extending their lead soon after the restart when Mohanad Ali missed from distance. The Andorrans mounted pressure late on, with efforts from Max Llovera, Jordi Aláez, debutant forward Gerard Solà of Osca B, and Álex Martínez forcing saves from keeper Al Rekabe. Multiple substitutions disrupted the flow in the second half, and Andorra's push in stoppage time yielded no breakthrough.

The match served as the opener in a 10-day stretch of three friendlies to build toward the Nations League in September. A youthful Andorran squad featured debutant goalkeeper Marc de Castro of AD Torrejón alongside new inclusions Biel Borra, Èric de Pablos, and Aron Rodrigo. Key absences were Iker Álvarez with Córdoba and Berto Rosas with Logroñés in a Primera RFEF playoff, plus Mauro Rabelo, Adri da Cunha, Chus Rubio, and Cucu due to club duties.

Prior to kickoff, coach Koldo Álvarez de Eulate noted Iraq's strong competition level, tactical order, and attacking options through direct play, one-on-ones, and wide threats. He welcomed the near two-week camp, akin to Nations League preparations, to test tweaks across the fixtures and praised the young group's energy.

Defender Marc Vales of Europa FC emphasised focus. "These friendlies help them as World Cup qualifiers, but we must stay professional and target a solid performance to gear up for the Nations League," he said.

Andorra faces Liechtenstein on Thursday at 7pm at Nou Estadi de la FAF in Encamp—Marc Pujol's farewell—before heading Sunday to meet Kosovo at 7pm in Pristina's Fadil Vokrri Stadium.