Iraq–Saudi_Arabia_football_rivalry

Iraq–Saudi Arabia football rivalry

Iraq–Saudi Arabia football rivalry

Football rivalry between Iraq and Saudi Arabia


Iraq and Saudi Arabia are two fierce rivals of the Arab world. Their matches are often considered to be one of the most heated rivalries in the world.

Quick Facts Other names, Location ...

Although received lesser attention comparing to rivalry with Iran of both sides, it is one of the oldest rivalries in Asia.[1] Emotions often run high when two teams meet each others.

Reason behind the rivalry

The main reasons for this rivalry are political differences, and historical grievances. During the Gulf War in the 1990s, Iraq invaded Kuwait, an ally of Saudi Arabia, and both fought a short but bloody war that would continue to have a major impact on their relations.[2] Due to the Gulf War of 1991, Saudi Arabia and Iraq had no official diplomatic relations, resulting in the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification matches between the two nations being held on neutral grounds of Bahrain and Jordan.

Recently, accusations from Iraq that Saudi Arabia is instigating terrorist groups, like ISIS and Al-Qaeda, further deepened enmity between the two nations.

Major tournament matches

1976 AFC Asian Cup qualification

More information 1–1, Saudi Arabia ...

1976 AFC Asian Cup qualification

More information 2–1, Saudi Arabia ...

1982 FIFA World Cup qualification

More information Saudi Arabia, 1–0 ...
Referee: Rubio Vesquez (Mexico)

1994 FIFA World Cup qualification

More information 1–1, Saudi Arabia ...
Attendance: 20,000
Referee: Quiniou (France)

1996 AFC Asian Cup

More information Saudi Arabia, 1–0 ...

2002 FIFA World Cup qualification

More information Saudi Arabia, 1–0 ...
Attendance: 10,000
Referee: Lu Jun (China)

2002 FIFA World Cup qualification

More information 1–2, Saudi Arabia ...

2004 AFC Asian Cup

More information Saudi Arabia, 1–2 ...

2007 AFC Asian Cup

More information 1–0, Saudi Arabia ...

2015 AFC Asian Cup qualification

More information 0–2, Saudi Arabia ...

2015 AFC Asian Cup qualification

More information Saudi Arabia, 2–1 ...

2018 FIFA World Cup qualification

More information 1–2, Saudi Arabia ...

2018 FIFA World Cup qualification

More information Saudi Arabia, 1–0 ...

Matches

Source:[3]
More information #, Date ...
  1. Not a full FIFA international
  2. Iraq competed in the tournament with its B team squad.
  3. Saudi Arabia won on penalties.

Statistics

Matches held in Iraq5
Matches held in neutral venue23
Matches held in Saudi Arabia12
Total matches40
Matches won by Iraq18
Matches won by Saudi Arabia11

See also


References

  1. "Match Preview: Iraq vs Saudi Arabia". 27 February 2018. Archived from the original on 7 August 2018. Retrieved 14 June 2018.
  2. "World Cup '94-political Football - tribunedigital-chicagotribune". articles.chicagotribune.com. Archived from the original on 2015-05-12.
  3. "Iraq national football team: Record v Saudi%20Arabia". Archived from the original on 2016-06-16. Retrieved 2018-06-14.

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