TEHRAN, May 28 (Mehr News Agency) – A stoppage-time penalty helped host Croatia hold its fellow World Cup finalist Iran to a 2-2 draw in a friendly in Osijek Sunday night.

Iran midfielder Ali Karimi deftly fired home with a left drive on 21 minutes, showing why the Scottish side Celtic has evinced a burning interest in signing the Bayern Munich import.

Supported by home fans, Croatia secured the parity 10 minutes later, when Dado Prso poked home from close range.

The two sides did not play a smooth football on the rain-drenched pitch, but Iran retook the lead eight minutes from time.

Substitute Arash Borhani capitalized on a defending blooper, beating the keeper in a one-on-one challenge.

The home team, however, saved face seven minutes deep into the additional time, converting a penalty through Marko Babic.