Croatia have drawn 2-2 draw with fellow World Cup finalist’s Iran in a World Cup warm-up match in Osijek, Croatia on Sunday with Marko Babic converting a penalty in injury time to earn Croatia’s ‘Vatreni’ a draw.

The hosts started strongly, buoyed by their 4-1 defeat of Austria in a warm-up match on Tuesday, but it was Iran’s Team Melli that produced the most dangerous early threats, through two of their German-based players, Bayern Münich midfielder Ali Karimi and Hannover ’96 striker Vahid Hashemian, who were both coming back from injuries.

Karimi managed to put Iran ahead in the 22nd minute with a swift shot from inside the penalty area, much to the dismay of the crowd, but Rangers’ striker Dado Prso equalized nine minutes later after Niko Kranjcar played a perfect cross into his path.

Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Dario Srna and Bayer Leverkusen’s Babic controlled the wings for Croatia, with ideal crosses into the centre, but Croatia's strikers were unable to convert with their final touches.

Bremen’s Ivan Klasnic had a wonderful opportunity to put Croatia 2-1 ahead, but his glancing header went harmlessly across the goalmouth.

Iran’s Javad Nekounam could have put the visitors ahead midway through the second half with a lob at an empty goal from about 25 yards after Croatian keeper Stipe Pletikosa came off his line to clear a loose ball.

Iran substitute Arash Borhani, from club-side Pas, appeared to have given Iran a late winner after he pounced on a defensive error in the 82nd minute to give Team Melli the lead.

However in injury-time, Babic converted from the penalty-spot after Ivica Olic was brought down in the box by goalkeeper Ebrahim Mirzapour to draw the match 2-2.

"It's not a bad test. We dominated and could have scored many more goals," Croatia coach Zlatko Kranjcar said, adding that some of his players were tired from exhausting fitness drills during the week.

Croatia kick-off their World Cup campaign against five-time world champions Brazil on June 13 at Berlin's Olympic Stadium.

Iran are scheduled to play a friendly with Bosnia-Herzegovina and a German club-side before departing for Germany.

Croatia have been drawn in Group F in the World Cup Finals in Germany, alongside Brazil, Australia and Japan.

Iran have been drawn in Group D, alongside Portugal, Mexico and Angola.

Iran coach Branko Ivankovic, a Croatian native, was Croatia's assistant coach when it reached the semifinals in 1998.

"We were close to winning even though there are still some things we need to work on," Ivankovic said. "I am satisfied with the way my players performed in this tough game against a tough rival."

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