Madrid: World Cup hopefuls France salvaged a late 1-1 draw against the United States in their final friendly before the tournament, while fellow title favourites Spain also needed a late goal as they edged past Tunisia 1-0, Saturday.
Didier Deschamps named a strong side as he sought to put the finishing touches to his preparations before travelling to Russia. However, Julian Green took advantage of a Djibril Sidibe slip to fire a near-post effort past French custodian Hugo Lloris on the stroke of half time to give the visitors a shock lead.
The US, who did not qualify for Russia, looked as if they would hold on to their advantage until Kylian Mbappe spared Deschamps’s blushes 12 minutes from time.
There remain, though, plenty of unanswered questions for Les Bleus heading into next weekend’s opener against Australia, who beat Hungary 2-1 earlier on the day.
It looked like being a frustrating night for 2010 champions Spain as well as they struggled to break down a Tunisia side who caused them difficulties on the counter attack.
Former Liverpool forward Iago Aspas swept in after good work from Diego Costa six minutes from time to secure the win and ensure coach Julen Lopetegui remains undefeated in his first 20 games in charge.
Their Group B rivals Morocco resoundingly brushed past Estonia 3-1, while Serbia hammered Bolivia 5-1. Newcastle United striker Aleksandar Mitrovic hit a hat-trick and former Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic netted a stunning volley in the rout.
Elsewhere, Denmark, rode on a goal each by Yussuf Poulsen and Christian Eriksen to record a 2-0 win over fellow finalists Mexico.
At a glance
Spain 1 Tunisia 0
France 1 United States 1
Denmark 2 Mexico 0
Australia 2 Hungary 1
Morocco 3 Estonia 1
Sweden 0 Peru 0
Giroud suffers injury scare
Lyon: France striker Olivier Giroud has suffered an injury scare days before the World Cup after a violent clash of heads with Matt Miazga in France’s friendly with United States Saturday. The Chelsea star was taken off in the second half with a bandage wrapped around his head while his opponent laid bloodied on the ground. Both players appear to have a suspected concussion which could put Giroud’s World Cup campaign in doubt. Giroud laid on the pitch for five minutes following the incident while he was treated by the medical team.