Iniesta doubtful for Spain’s opening World Cup match after training alone upon arrival

Iniesta doubtful for Spain’s World Cup opener

POTCHEFSTROOM, South Africa — Injured midfielder Andres Iniesta remains doubtful for Spain’s opening World Cup match after training alone during the team’s first practice in South Africa.

Iniesta ran individual drills with one of the team’s physiotherapists at the North West University sports complex, where the European champions are based for the tournament.

Spain was the last of the 32 teams to arrive and was welcomed with a warm reception Friday from locals.

Coach Vicente del Bosque put the rest of his 23-man squad through an up-tempo session following an overnight flight. Fernando Torres took part with his right knee heavily bandaged as he recovers from surgery.