Iraq U-23 Team Falls 5-1 to Russia in Antalya Friendly

ANTALYA, Turkey — Iraq's under-23 national football team suffered a 5-1 defeat against Russia in a friendly match on Friday. Russia took a 1-0 lead into halftime with Bomo Luk's goal in the 45th minute. The European side extended its advantage with goals at the 50th and 76th minutes through Por Darif. Iraq halved the deficit in the 84th minute when Hussein Fahiм converted a free kick. Russia added two more goals in the 88th and first-minute stoppage time to finalize the score. The Iraqi goalkeeper Liyth Saacid was responsible for several key mistakes during the match. The team has been under the direction of head coach İmad Muhammed. The squad arrived in Antalya on May 31 to begin a training camp. The team is using the camp to prepare for upcoming official matches.