Doha, December 16 (QNA) - The Saudi Arabian national team won the Gulf Cup U-23 football championship for the third consecutive time and the fifth time in their history, after defeating Iraq 2-0 in the final match held Tuesday evening at Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar, from December 4 to 16.

The Saudi team secured their place in the final after defeating the UAE 2-0 in the semi-final, having previously topped Group A with 7 points.

Meanwhile, the Iraqi team reached the final by defeating host Qatar 7-6 on penalties in the semi-final after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Iraq had previously achieved a perfect record in Group B with 6 points.

The match began evenly, with both sides displaying tactical caution. However, the Saudi team appeared more organized and spread out across the pitch, imposing their control through possession and high pressing. The Iraqi team, on the other hand, relied on counter-attacks and a deep defensive line.

Saudi Arabia's dominance paid off in the 22nd minute when Abdulrahman Al Obaid headed home a perfectly placed cross from the right wing.

Iraq suffered a blow when Haider Abdulkarim was sent off in the 42nd minute after a VAR review, forcing them to play the remainder of the match with ten men.

In the second half, Saudi Arabia maintained their control, while Iraq made limited attempts to get back into the game, failing to create any real danger for the Saudi goal. The match ended with Saudi Arabia deservedly claiming the Gulf Cup title.

In the 49th minute, Abdulaziz Al Alawi extended Saudi Arabia's lead with a well-organized and swift attack, capitalizing on a fatal defensive error by the Iraqi team.

In the final minutes of the match, the Iraqi team tried to organize their ranks and intensify its attacks in search of reducing the gap, but it was met with a well-organized and tight Saudi defense that prevented it from reaching the net, so the Saudi team succeeded in deciding the match in their favor with a score of two goals to nil, and was crowned with the title. (QNA)