Iran and Croatia played out an entertaining 2-2 draw as both sides continued their preparations for the World Cup finals.

Ali Karimi gave the visitors the lead in Osijek after 22 minutes, but Croatia were soon level thanks to a strike from Dado Prso.

Arash Borhani's goal eight minutes from time looked like giving Iran victory, only for Marko Babic's penalty to rescue a draw, after Ivica Olic had been brought down in the area.

Iran coach Branko Ivankovic, a native of Croatia, said: "We were close to winning, even though there are still some things we need to work on.

"I am satisfied with the way my players performed in this tough game against a tough rival."

Croatia boss Zlatko Kranjcar added: "It was not a bad test. We dominated and could have scored many more goals."