Argentina, Israel to play pre-World Cup friendly

Jerusalem March 1 (IANS) Argentina will fine-tune their World Cup preparations with an international friendly against Israel on June 9 officials said.

The match will be played in Israel though a venue has yet to be confirmed the Israel Football Association said in a statement on Wednesday reports Xinhua.

"Discussions will continue in the coming days to finalise the contractual details for signing " the statement read.

Argentina and Israel have met on four previous occasions in the lead-up to a World Cup. One such clash was in 1986 when the Albiceleste won 7-2 before being crowned world champions in Mexico.

The Argentine Football Association has already confirmed friendlies against Italy and Spain in March as the two-time World Cup winners prepare for football s biggest tournament in Russia.

Jorge Sampaoli s team will play their first World Cup group match against Iceland in Moscow on June 16.

--IANS
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