Saudi Arabia Faces Iraq Tonight in Gulf Cup 27 Group Finale: Battle for the Top Spot in Jeddah as Donis Reorganizes After Injuries
Saudi Arabia faces Iraq tonight at 8:30 PM in Jeddah for the Gulf Cup 27 group finale, aiming to secure the top spot and a semifinal berth.
The Saudi national team will face its Iraqi counterpart at 8:30 PM tonight, Tuesday, at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, in the third and final round of Group A of the Arabian Gulf Cup "Gulf Cup 27", in a match that will determine the group leader and the last ticket to the semifinals.
The Green Falcons enter the match leading with 6 points after two wins against Kuwait and Oman, scoring four goals without conceding any. They have already secured a place in the semifinals before the last round, while Iraq is in second place with four points from a win and a draw and needs at least a draw to ensure its qualification. Meanwhile, Oman's chance (one point) depends on beating Kuwait and Iraq losing. The match will be officiated by Dutch referee Danny Makkelie.
According to the "Al-Riyadiya" newspaper, Greek coach Georgios Donis has settled on the lineup, relying on players capable of executing his strategies with balance between the lines and caution against the Iraqi team, given the injuries that have affected the Green Falcons' squad during the group stage, most notably defender Hassan Kadish.
It is expected that the Green Falcons will start with Mohammed Al-Owais as goalkeeper, and in defense, Mohammed Abu Shamat, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Jihad Zakri, and Muteb Al-Harbi. In midfield, Mohammed Kanoo, Abdullah Al-Khaibari, and Saleh Abu Shamat, and in attack, Abdullah Al-Salem, Hammam Al-Hamami, and Sultan Mandash, with Al-Khaibari making his first start in the tournament.
Despite securing qualification, the match is significant for the Green Falcons to clinch the top spot, which will determine their opponent in the semifinals from the second group, where the UAE and Qatar both lead with 6 points each. Additionally, it provides a morale boost for the players ahead of the knockout stages. Donis has been leading the Green Falcons since last April, succeeding Frenchman Hervé Renard, with a contract extending until July 2027.