Saudi Arabia beat Iraq with a brace in Gulf Cup 27

Saudi Arabia has clinched the top spot in their group at the Gulf Cup 27, having defeated Iraq by two goals to nil during the third round of the group stage, achieving a perfect score and continuing their successful journey.

Iraq came close to scoring in the 38th minute when Saif Rasheed Hameed broke through on Mohammed Al-Qahtani, but the referee halted the attack for offside. Mustafa Saadoon then left the pitch injured.

Abdullah Al Salem opened the scoring for Saudi Arabia in the 54th minute, benefiting from a ball that rebounded in front of him after a save by the Iraq goalkeeper, slotting it into the net to give the Green Falcons the lead.

Donis made several changes during the second half, including the introduction of Mohammed Al-Qahtani, Saleh Abu Al-Shamat, and Firas Al-Buraikan, while Al-Salem and Sultan Mandash left the pitch in search of enhancing the advantage.

Abdullah Al-Hamdan added the second goal in the 69th minute, receiving the ball inside the penalty area and shooting with his left foot, confirming Saudi Arabia's victory.