Saudi Arabia’s Abdu Atif names Iraq as their main Gulf Cup 27 threat

Former Saudi Arabia international Abdu Atif says Iraq will be the Green Falcons’ strongest rival at Gulf Cup 27, while backing the hosts to reach the knockout stage.

Saudi Arabia will host the tournament from 23 September to 6 October. The draw placed the hosts in Group A alongside Iraq, Oman and Kuwait.

Speaking on Al Arabiya’s Fi Al-Merma programme, Atif said: “The Saudi national team can get through the group stage in Gulf Cup 27.”

However, the former midfielder warned that finishing top of the section would be a difficult task because of Iraq’s presence.

Atif highlighted Iraq’s high level of cohesion and praised the work of their Australian manager, Graham Arnold.

He also stressed the importance of support from the crowd, saying Saudi Arabia’s fans could play a key role in motivating the players to make a deep run in the competition.

A statement posted by Fi Al-Merma on X quoted Atif as saying: “The Saudi national team can get through the group stage and Iraq are the Green Falcons’ real opponents.”

The same post also carried a message from Ahmed Al-Fraidi, who said: “I am optimistic and we have new players who have the opportunity to win the cup.”