Iraq to face Spain in FIFA Confederations Cup

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraq will face Spain on Wednesday in their second round of Group A in FIFA Confederations Cup at 17:00 Baghdad local time (14:00 GMT). Iraq have been inspired for their tough mission against Spain on Wednesday by Egypt’s superb performance against Brazil in their opening match of the Confederations Cup. Egypt came from 3-1 down to score twice in a minute against the five times world champions on Monday and were seconds from a shock 3-3 draw before conceding a late penalty and losing 4-3. Iraq face a task more monumental than Egypt’s appeared to be when they play the European champions at the Free State Stadium. Spain are unbeaten in 33 matches since November 2006 and will equal the all-time FIFA record of 14 successive wins if they beat Iraq in their second Group A game. The Spaniards beat New Zealand 5-0 in their opener and will reach the semi-finals with another victory. Even if Iraq lose they could still reach the last four from a group that also includes South Africa who meet New Zealand later on Wednesday. Iraq’s Serbian-born coach Bora Milutinovic, whose negative tactics helped secure a 0-0 draw against the South Africans in their opening match at Ellis Park on Sunday, said Egypt’s performance had inspired his squad and they will fear no-one. SH (S) 1