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KRASNODAR, Russia: Tunisia can head into their opening World Cup game with a fair degree of confidence after it took Spain, the tournament favorites, until the 83rd minute to conjure up a winner against them in a friendly match on Saturday.
Tunisia, who open their campaign against England on June 18, frustrated the 2010 world champions with disciplined defending until Sergio Busquets spotted Diego Costa’s run behind the backline. The Atletico Madrid striker then set up Iago Aspas to rifle in a low strike. It was a harsh blow for Tunisia and brought an end to their nine-match unbeaten run. It was the first time they had tasted defeat since March last year.
Spain, on the other hand, remain undefeated through 20 matches under coach Julen Lopetegui and start the World Cup with a highly-anticipated clash against neighbors Portugal on Friday.
Spain will also play Iran and Morocco in Group B, while Tunisia will also face Belgium and Panama in Group G.
They will need to play better than they did here.
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 its best opportunity. Ferjani Sassi, however, shot weakly into the arms of David de Gea.
The African side went close again after attacking again down Odriozola’s side after robbing the ball from Busquets, only for Naim Sliti to fail to make contact with a cross with only de Gea to beat.
Lopetegui made three changes at halftime, sending on Koke and Lucas Vazquez for Thiago and Isco, and Nacho Fernandez for Odriozola.
Moments after Silva volleyed a shot from a tight angle past the post, the midfielder was replaced by Marco Asensio, while Costa substituted Rodrigo Moreno with half an hour remaining.
With Spain not improving, Lopetegui sent on striker Aspas for Jordi Alba and switched to a three-man defense. The move took just seven minutes to pay dividends.