Basra: On Thursday, for the second time in a little more than a month, Saudi Arabia crashed out of an international tournament in the first round and for the second time, there was much more to assess and judge than just the results.
This latest exit was from the Arabian Gulf Cup, not the World Cup, the venue was Iraq rather than Qatar, and the opposition were Iraq, Oman and Yemen, not Argentina, Mexico and Poland. Despite the disappointment at failing to make progress, Saudi Arabia should take a lot of positives from the experience.
It may take some time for them to appreciate it, however, as a 2–1 defeat to Oman leaves them third in Group A, with only three points from three games and a trip home.
Needing a win over the men from Muscat to ensure a place in the last four, this new-look Saudi side edged the Reds all the way. They created enough chances to win but could not capitalize on them.
Rabia Al-Alawi put Oman ahead at the Al-Mina’a Olympic Stadium in Basra just after the half-hour mark, but the impressive Turki Al-Ammar soon ensured the teams went level at the break. Oman sealed the victory with six minutes remaining thanks to a superb goal from Harib Al-Saadi.
In the second game of Group A, tournament hosts Iraq beat Yemen 5–0 to top the table and secure their place in the last four. The Iraqis took the lead in the first half thanks to a looping header from Mustafa Nadim. Amjad Atwan and Hussain Ali scored in the second half, and Ayman Hussain added a brace to fill the fans at the Basra International Stadium with joy.
Iraq top the group with seven points. Oman finished with the same number with a lower goal difference. Yemen finished bottom of the group, losing all three of their games.
Saudi coach Saad Al-Shahri’s men knew that only a win would do and so they pressed forward at every opportunity. Just after the midway point of the first half, Al-Ammar got on the end of a cross from Sumayan Al-Nabit, but could not cross the ball past Ibrahim Al-Mukhaini, in Oman’s goal, in what was a fine play.
The same combination of players was in action a few minutes later when Al-Ammar chested the ball just outside the area and then forced another save from the goalkeeper.
Seconds later, in the 34th minute, Oman, who needed only one point to progress, took the lead with a well-worked goal. Jameel Al-Yahmadi was given a little more space on the right so he could take his time and send a dangerous, low cross to the near post, where Al-Alawi headed the ball high in front of Ziad Al-Shafi Arrived. Diving into the top corner past Nawaf Al-Aqidi. The video assistant referee checked for offside but the goal stood.
Saudi Arabia knew what they had to do; They needed two goals. And after 41 minutes he got one of them. Mohamed Maran won the ball in the area and his cross bounced off the goalkeeper into the path of Al-Nabit, who found Al-Ammar inside the six-yard box. The busy Al-Shabab star side-footed the ball comfortably.
This brought a spring to Saudi’s feet. Maran forced a fine save with a low shot from outside the area and soon after, Al-Ammar did the same from close range. Suddenly, Oman were under pressure and were expecting the half-time whistle.
The Reds should have taken the lead again early in the second half when Issam Al-Subhi broke through the defence. He opted to lob the ball from inside the area, only to beat the goalkeeper but his effort was high. Within seconds, Al-Ammar made a fine save with a fierce shot. Al-Nabit also forced a save after 57 minutes but this time, Al-Mukhaini curled a low effort and was relieved to see the ball go out for a corner. Later, from another corner, Maran’s near-post header flew into the air to deny the goalkeeper a certain goal.
At the other end, there was nothing al-Aqidi could do about the conquerors of Oman. Al-Saadi collected the ball outside the area and sent an unstoppable shot into the top corner. And that was it.
Iraq and Oman will find out who their opponents are in the semi-finals on Friday when Bahrain take on Kuwait and Qatar face the UAE in Group B. The final will be held next Thursday.