Saudi Arabia have six points after beating Oman 3-0 and have already secured a semi-final place. A draw against Iraq would keep them top of Group A. Iraq have four points and need a win to overtake them.
Graham Arnold has closed one of Iraq's final training sessions to the media and public. The team can prepare away from outside distractions. Coaches will focus on the technical and tactical details of the Saudi Arabia match.
Iraq's winner against Kuwait came in stoppage time: substitute Karrar Nabil scored the decisive goal in the 3-2 victory.
Iraq need a win to contest top spot
Iraq beat Kuwait 3-2 in a five-goal match. The late win briefly put Iraq top of Group A, before Saudi Arabia played Oman, The National reported. Iraq now need another win to finish ahead of Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia can keep first place with a draw. Iraq must win. Confidence alone will not change the group standings. The top two teams in Group A advance to the semi-finals.
Iraq have four points and sit second in Group A after beating Kuwait; Kuwait remain without a point and are out of contention for a place in the semi-finals. The group also includes Saudi Arabia and Oman, with the top two advancing.
Closed training sharpens the final preparation
The result will shape Iraq's group position and Saudi Arabia's chance to finish first. After Iraq's match with Oman, Arnold said his side "was not the better team" and needed to "work harder," Goal reported. Since then, he has said he studied Saudi Arabia, expects pressure in the stadium and remains confident in his team.
Closing the session is a practical preparation choice. The team still has to deliver on the pitch. Saudi Arabia will be without defender Hassan Kadesh, who has been ruled out of the tournament with a thigh injury, Shafaq News reported. Iraq's clearest chance is to build on the Kuwait performance and handle the pressure. Saudi Arabia can protect first place with a draw.
Iraq's 3-2 win has opened the door, but settled nothing. The closed session may help sharpen focus. The test is whether the team can turn that momentum into the win it needs to challenge Saudi Arabia for top spot.
