New-look Saudi Arabia exit the Gulf Cup but in time will see the positives

BASRA: On Thursday, for the second time in a little over a month, Saudi Arabia exited an international tournament in the first round and, for the second time, there was more to evaluate and judge than simply the results.

This latest exit was from the Arabian Gulf Cup, not the World Cup, the location was Iraq instead of Qatar, and the opposition were not Argentina, Mexico and Poland but Iraq, Oman and Yemen. Despite the disappointment at failing to progress, though, Saudi Arabia should take with them plenty of positives from the experience.

It might take some time for them to appreciate this, however, after a 2-1 defeat by Oman doomed them to third place in Group A, with just three points from three games, and a journey home.

Requiring victory over the men from Muscat to be certain of a place in the last four, this new-look Saudi side pushed the Reds all the way. They created enough chances to win but just could not make them count.

Rabia Al-Alawi put Oman ahead at Al-Minaa Olympic Stadium in Basra just after the half-hour mark but the impressive Turki Al-Ammar struck soon after to ensure the teams went in level at the break. Oman snatched victory with six minutes remaining thanks to a glorious goal from Harib Al-Saadi.

In the other game in Group A, tournament hosts Iraq defeated Yemen 5-0 to secure top spot and book their place in the final four. The Iraqis took the lead in the first half thanks to a looping header from Mustafa Nadhim. Amjed Attwan and Hussein Ali struck in the second half, and Ayman Hussein added a brace to send fans at Basra International Stadium wild with delight.

Iraq topped the group with seven points. Oman finished with the same number but a lesser goal difference. Yemen finished bottom of