Iraq held to goalless draw by Saudi Arabia in crucial World Cup qualifier

NEWSROOM — Iraq drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia on Tuesday at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, a result that leaves the Lions of Mesopotamia headed to the playoffs while Saudi Arabia clinch qualification on goal difference.

Iraq will meet the United Arab Emirates in November.

“We are still in the competition, and we have two important matches in November,” head coach Graham Arnold said after the match. “We will fight until the end.”

Arnold criticized the tournament setup, saying teams with a week’s rest had an edge. “It’s the first time in my life I’ve seen a tournament like this,” he said. “When I was in Australia, we were told the playoff would be on neutral ground.”

He praised his squad’s effort but said missing forwards Ayman Hussein and Ali Al-Hammadi “affected us a lot,” adding he hopes both are fit for November.