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

Andorra's national football team fell to a 1-0 defeat against World Cup-bound Iraq in their opening pre-Nations League friendly on Saturday at Estadi Montilivi in Girona.

Iraq, ranked 57th in the FIFA standings after beating Bolivia in a playoff, dominated early under coach Graham Arnold. Mustafa Saadoon found space behind the defence in the third minute for a one-on-one, but Álex Ruiz made a strong block at the near post. The decisive moment came in the 20th minute when Ali Yousif Hashim Najatee unleashed a stunning left-footed strike from the edge of the box, curling into the far top corner past Ruiz.

Andorra stayed compact defensively and gained more possession after the break, though clear chances remained scarce. Iraq nearly doubled their lead shortly after halftime as Mohanad Ali fired wide from distance. Late efforts from Max Llovera, Jordi Aláez, Gerard Solà on his senior debut, and Álex Martínez tested Iraq keeper Al Rekabe but went unrewarded. Numerous substitutions fragmented the second half, with Andorra pushing forward in added time without success.

The youthful squad, featuring debutant goalkeeper Marc de Castro of AD Torrejón and forward Gerard Solà of Osca B alongside new call-ups Biel Borra, Èric de Pablos and Aron Rodrigo, showed promise despite the loss. Absences included Iker Álvarez de Eulate 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 commitments.

Ahead of the match, coach Koldo Álvarez de Eulate had praised Iraq's tactical discipline, competitiveness and attacking threats via direct play, one-on-ones and wide areas. He valued the near two-week preparation window, similar to Nations League buildups, to test adjustments across the three games. Álvarez highlighted the group's young energy and enthusiasm.

Defender Marc Vales of Europa FC in Gibraltar stressed the need for professionalism. "These friendlies help them as World Cup qualifiers, but we must do our job and aim for a good result to build for the Nations League," he said.

Andorra now hosts Liechtenstein on Thursday at 7pm at Nou Estadi de la FAF in Encamp—Marc Pujol's farewell match—before travelling Sunday to face Kosovo at 7pm in Pristina's Fadil Vokrri Stadium.