Saudi Arabia complete perfect group stage as Iraq face Gulf Cup exit

Saudi Arabia secured top spot in Group A of the Gulf Cup 27 with a perfect record after beating Iraq 2-0 at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah on Tuesday.

The result left Iraq’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals in the balance, with their qualification now expected to be decided by a draw against Oman.

Abdullah Al-Salem opened the scoring for Saudi Arabia in the 54th minute after Iraq goalkeeper Ahmed Basil failed to hold a dropping ball. Al-Salem reacted quickest to turn the loose ball into an unguarded net.

Saudi Arabia doubled their advantage 15 minutes later when Abdullah Al-Hamdan ran through on goal and struck a low left-footed shot that Basil was unable to keep out.

The victory gave Saudi Arabia nine points from three matches. They had already beaten Kuwait and Oman before completing their group campaign with a win over Iraq.

Iraq remain on four points and are level with Oman, who defeated Kuwait 3-1 in the other Group A fixture. The two sides are reported to be identical in all the relevant standings criteria, meaning a draw will be held to determine which team joins Saudi Arabia in the last four.

The situation leaves the Iraq national team, known as the Lions of Mesopotamia, at risk of an early exit despite finishing level with Oman on points.

Saudi Arabia and the eventual runners-up will discover their semi-final opponents after Wednesday’s Group B matches. Qatar face the United Arab Emirates, while Yemen play Bahrain.

The Saudi Sports Channels announced both goals during the match, crediting Al-Salem with the opener before confirming Al-Hamdan’s strike had put the hosts 2-0 ahead.