Donis overhauls Saudi lineup with eight changes for Iraq clash

Saudi Arabia's Greek coach Georgos Donis has made eight changes to the starting XI for the final group-stage match against Iraq at Khaleeji 27.

• Donis kept only goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais, winger Sultan Mandash, and defender Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat from the lineup that beat Oman 3-0.
• He changed the attacking setup, fielding outright forwards Abdullah Al-Hamdan and Abdullah Al-Salem, supported by Mandash and Abu Al-Shamat.
• Saudi Arabia top Group 1 on six points and have already secured a semifinal place; Iraq, on four, need one point to guarantee qualification.
• The match is the third and final group-stage round, played at Al-Inmaa Stadium in Jeddah.
• Saudi Arabia beat Iraq 2-0 at Al-Inmaa Stadium in Jeddah, with goals from Abdullah Al-Salem in the 54th minute and Abdullah Al-Hamdan in the 69th.
• Saudi Arabia finished top with nine points from three wins, while Iraq missed the semifinals as Oman advanced on a fair-play tiebreaker.
• Al-Salem's 54th-minute goal was his first international strike for Saudi Arabia at age 33.
• A draw was scheduled to decide the second Gulf Cup qualifier after Iraq and Oman finished level on points, goals, and cards.
• Iraq coach Graham Arnold argued FIFA regulations should favor his higher-ranked team and said it would be unfair if Iraq failed to advance.
• Ayman Hussein is set to make his 100th international appearance if he plays against Saudi Arabia, former Iraq player Ali Rahima confirmed.