Saudi Arabia Qualifies for Semi-finals of 26th Arabian Gulf Cup with 3–1 Victory Over Iraq

28 December 2024, Kuwait, Al-Ardiya: Saudi's Abdullah Al-Hamdan celebrates scoring his side's third goal during the Arabian Gulf Cup group B soccer match between Iraq and Saudi Arabia at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium. Photo: -/Saudi Press Agency/dpa
28 December 2024, Kuwait, Al-Ardiya: Saudi's Abdullah Al-Hamdan celebrates scoring his side's third goal during the Arabian Gulf Cup group B soccer match between Iraq and Saudi Arabia at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium. Photo: -/Saudi Press Agency/dpa
TT

Saudi Arabia Qualifies for Semi-finals of 26th Arabian Gulf Cup with 3–1 Victory Over Iraq

28 December 2024, Kuwait, Al-Ardiya: Saudi's Abdullah Al-Hamdan celebrates scoring his side's third goal during the Arabian Gulf Cup group B soccer match between Iraq and Saudi Arabia at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium. Photo: -/Saudi Press Agency/dpa
28 December 2024, Kuwait, Al-Ardiya: Saudi's Abdullah Al-Hamdan celebrates scoring his side's third goal during the Arabian Gulf Cup group B soccer match between Iraq and Saudi Arabia at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium. Photo: -/Saudi Press Agency/dpa

The Saudi national football team has secured its qualification for the semi-finals of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup after defeating Iraq 3-1 in its final group-stage match in Kuwait on Saturday.
Saudi goals came from Forward Salem Al-Dawsari, who converted a penalty in the 57th minute, and Striker Abdullah Al-Hamdan, who scored in the 81st and 86th minutes. Iraq’s sole goal was scored by Forward Mohanad Ali in the 64th minute.
With this victory, the Saudi team increased its points tally to six and secured its place in the semi-finals alongside group leader Bahrain.

Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal congratulated the Saudi national football team players, along with the technical and administrative staff.

The minister extended his congratulations during a phone call with President of the Saudi Football Federation Yasser Almisehal, expressing his gratitude for the players’ outstanding performance and high spirit, as well as the efforts of the technical and administrative staff.
Prince Abdulaziz wished the national team continued success in showcasing their renowned skills and achieving the tournament title.



Kyrgios’ Return to Grand Slam Tennis Is in Doubt Ahead of the Australian Open

Nick Kyrgios of Australia and Novak Djokovic of Serbia (not pictured) hit a return against Michael Venus of New Zealand and Nikola Mektic of Croatia during their men's doubles match at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane on January 1, 2025. (AFP)
Nick Kyrgios of Australia and Novak Djokovic of Serbia (not pictured) hit a return against Michael Venus of New Zealand and Nikola Mektic of Croatia during their men's doubles match at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane on January 1, 2025. (AFP)
TT

Kyrgios’ Return to Grand Slam Tennis Is in Doubt Ahead of the Australian Open

Nick Kyrgios of Australia and Novak Djokovic of Serbia (not pictured) hit a return against Michael Venus of New Zealand and Nikola Mektic of Croatia during their men's doubles match at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane on January 1, 2025. (AFP)
Nick Kyrgios of Australia and Novak Djokovic of Serbia (not pictured) hit a return against Michael Venus of New Zealand and Nikola Mektic of Croatia during their men's doubles match at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane on January 1, 2025. (AFP)

Nick Kyrgios’ planned return to Grand Slam tennis at the Australian Open is in doubt after he sustained an abdominal injury and was forced to withdraw from an exhibition with Novak Djokovic this week.

The 2022 Wimbledon finalist, sidelined with wrist and knee injuries since the 2022 US Open, said in an Instagram post Wednesday that an ultrasound scan had revealed an abdominal strain and "unfortunately (I) won’t be able to play my good friend (Djokovic) this Thursday."

He said he’d be resting and doing everything possible to be ready for the Australian Open, which starts Sunday at Melbourne Park.

The mercurial Australian, who has become a popular commentator during his lengthy stints on the injured list, made his competitive comeback last week at Brisbane, where he played one singles match and partnered with Djokovic in two doubles matches.

Djokovic and Kyrgios won their opening doubles match, a crowd-pleasing, fist-pumping affair by both players at Pat Rafter Arena before a 6-2, 3-6, 10-8 loss to Nikola Mektic of Croatia and New Zealander Michael Venus.

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley remained confident Kyrgios would play at the year's first major.

"I think it’s just precautionary, that’s the word we’ve got from him," Tiley said Wednesday, responding to questions about the potential absence of the star Australian. "Nick’s not the only one not doing some of their pre-planned matches over the next few days. There’s no concerns ahead of the Open."