"Hardlak... The Blue"

Kuwait officialsYaqoub Al-AwadiOur national team lost to Iraq in the dying moments, 2-3, after a distinguished performance that was closest to a draw but for defensive lapses in the match played yesterday at King Abdullah Al-Faisal City Stadium in Jeddah, as part of the second round of Group A in the Gulf Cup 27 competition. One match remains for us against Oman next Tuesday, meaning our national team has been eliminated from the tournament after two defeats, the first being a 0-1 loss to Saudi Arabia.

Our national team’s coach, Portuguese manager Hélio Sousa, started the match with a lineup comprising Saud Al-Houshan in goal, with Mohsen Fallah, Yousif Al-Haqan, Abdulaziz Bin Naji, and Rashid Al-Dosari in defense; Nasser Fallah, Adabi Shahab, and Khaled Al-Murshed in midfield; and Mohammed Daham, Yousif Nasser, and Mubarak Al-Fanini up front.

Our team maintained its balance in the first half as both sides adopted a cautious approach, forming a defensive wall against Iraqi attempts and launching quick counterattacks toward their own goal. Goalkeeper Saud Al-Houshan performed well, making a crucial save against a dangerous shot from Iraqi player Mohammed Qasim. Meanwhile, Mohammed Daham fired a left-footed shot that was saved by Iraqi goalkeeper Ahmed Basil. Had our players focused better on quick balls, they could have posed a greater threat to the opponent, whose players displayed a somewhat physical style. Nevertheless, the first half was satisfactory for both sides.

In the second half, our team missed a dangerous opportunity when the post deflected a shot (49th minute). Shortly after, Iraqi player Iqbal Zaidan scored the opening goal after receiving a ball inside the penalty area and curling it into the right corner (53rd minute). Coach Sousa then brought on Moath Al-Zafiri, Ahmed Al-Zafiri, and Yousif Majed to strengthen the attack. The “Blue Team” launched successive attacks, resulting in a penalty after Majed was fouled inside the box. Yousif Nasser converted the penalty skillfully to equalize (81st minute).

Our national team continued to press, but poor positioning led to Iraq’s second goal through Saif Rashid (83rd minute). However, the match’s standout player, Yousif Nasser, leveled the score again (92nd minute). Abdulwahab Al-Awadi was sent off after receiving his second yellow card for pulling an Iraqi player. Iraq secured the winning goal through Karar Nabil (98th minute).

The match was officiated by a Moroccan refereeing team led by Jalal Jaid, assisted by Zakaria Barnsi and Mustafa Akarkaz, with Hamza Al-Farq as the video assistant referee. A correct penalty was awarded to our team.