Iraq edge Andorra as Hashim strikes in Girona

Result

Iraq defeated Andorra 1-0 on Friday at Estadio Municipal de Montilivi, the friendly decided by Ali Yousif Hashim’s finish in the 20th minute. Graham Arnold’s side managed the play-off build-up confidently, while Koldo Álvarez’s men could not conjure an equaliser.

Match Narrative

Hashim delivered the only goal in the 20th minute and Iraq protected the advantage by managing possession and tightening their shape before the interval. Andorra’s response never translated into clear chances, and Marc San Nicolas collected a yellow card in the 43rd minute as frustration simmered.

Arnold refreshed his XI at half-time, making four substitutions – including a change in goal – to spread minutes and keep the press sharp. Andorra reacted with a triple change on 57 minutes, but the pattern of play barely shifted. Further switches in the 67th minute brought on Jordi Alaez and Hugo Silva as Álvarez searched for energy, yet the visitors could not break through. Max Llovera entered the book in the 77th minute before making way during an 84th-minute trio of substitutions that also saw Eric de las Heras Izquierdo and Josep Gómes introduced. Pau Babot’s yellow card in the 90+2nd minute closed a night of mounting Andorran irritation.

Tactical Snapshot

Arnold used the friendly to gather data on squad depth ahead of the inter-confederation play-off window, leaning on a compact mid-block that asked the wide midfielders to suffocate Andorra’s outlet passes. Hashim and his fellow forwards pressed sparingly but effectively, allowing Iraq to recycle possession without overextending.

Álvarez kept his side in its familiar low block with a narrow midfield, yet once San Nicolas was booked the defensive line dropped deeper and the passing lanes into the forwards dried up. Even with added attackers in the second half, the visitors rarely unsettled Iraq’s centre-backs, who were content to slow the tempo and close the match out.

Discipline Watch

• Marc San Nicolas (Andorra) yellow card 43rd minute
• Max Llovera (Andorra) yellow card 77th minute
• Pau Babot (Andorra) yellow card 90+2nd minute

Key Numbers

• Final score: Iraq 1 - 0 Andorra
• Goal: Ali Yousif Hashim (Iraq) 20th minute

Looking Ahead

The win keeps Arnold’s group on schedule before the World Cup qualifying play-off, giving fringe players meaningful minutes alongside the starting framework. Andorra now turn to their summer reset and the expected farewell of long-serving figures such as Marc Pujol, with Álvarez needing sharper transitions before competitive action returns. For more from this international window, see Bosnia & Herzegovina vs FYR Macedonia.