BRIDGEVIEW, United States, June 9 (Xinhua) -- Forward Ali Yousif was sent off as Iraq finalized its World Cup preparations with a 2-0 friendly loss to Venezuela on Tuesday.

Cristian Casseres gave Venezuela the lead with a 17th-minute strike and he then turned provider, setting up Jesus Ramirez to double the lead just after halftime.

Iraq was forced to play the last 20 minutes with 10 men after Yousif was shown a straight red card for violent conduct.

The Asian team, playing in its first World Cup finals since 1986, will begin this summer's tournament against Norway next Tuesday before facing France and Senegal in Group I.

Venezuela failed to qualify for football's showpiece in the United States, Mexico and Canada. ■