Saudi Arabia defeats Iraq 2-0 in Gulf Cup group stage

Saudi Arabia national football team head coach Georgios Donis praised his players' fighting spirit following a 2-0 victory over Iraq in the final group stage match of the 27th Gulf Cup. Donis noted that while the team did not maintain total control of the match, they successfully created dangerous opportunities to secure the win and clinch the top spot in their group.

The victory comes amid significant injury challenges for the squad. Donis highlighted the loss of key players including Hassan Kadish, Alaa Al-Hajji, Nawaf Al-Aqidi, Mohammed Al-Qahtani, and most recently, Zakaria Housawi. Due to these absences and the need to rest Saleh Abu Al-Shamat, the coaching staff implemented a 4-4-2 tactical formation, utilizing a strike partnership of Abdullah Al-Hamdan and Saleh Al-Salem.

Donis emphasized the importance of tactical flexibility and player recovery as the team prepares for the knockout stages, urging players to remain focused on physical readiness.