Catalonia impress before going down to Tunisia after penalty shootout
Xavi starred for the home side but it was Tunisia who eventially won the game after a 3-3 draw in normal time
Catalonia came from behind to draw 3-3 with Tunisia in Girona on Wednesday, before eventually losing on penalties.
The home side were without Barcelona stars Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, but they were able to include Xavi Hernandez in their starting lineup.
There were also starts for Jordi Masip and Sergi Roberto of Barcelona and Aaron, Marc Roca and Gerard Moreno from Espanyol.
It was the African nation who started brightest and they were 2-0 up within 30 minutes thanks to two goals from Youssef Msakni.
However, Catalonia, managed by Gerard Lopez and Sergio Gonzalez, hit back before the break when Gerard Moreno scored after collecting a Xavi pass.
Tunisia restored their two goal lead in the 66th minute when Msakni completed his hat-trick, but the hosts then rallied.
Former Espanyol striker Sergio Garcia reduced the deficit and then a late goal from Joan Verdu forced penalties.
Verdu and Victor Alvarez missed from the spot, though, as Tunisia won the shootout 4-2.
Catalonia:
Masip (Edgard Badía, 46'), Liola (Valentín, 46'), Fontás (De la Bella, 46'), Sergi Gómez (Marc Crosas, 73'), Aaron (Víctor Álvarez, 46'), Xavi (Oriol Riera, 65'), Sergi Roberto (Pere Pons, 46'), Marc Roca (Samper (46'), Víctor Rodríguez (Verdú, 46'), Gerard Moreno (Álvaro Vázquez, 46') y Sergio García.
Tunisia:
Mathlouthi (Jeridi, m.46); Youssef Syam, Zied, Chamseddine, Hamza (Sassi, 46'); Oussama, Hamza (Hamdi, 79')Larry: Naïm (Bguir, 46'), Msakni (Larry, 73'), Khenisi (Khelifa, 46')
