Kuwait knock Saudi Arabia out of Gulf Cup
Kuwait knocked Saudi Arabia out of the Gulf Cup on Saturday, beating coach Frank Rijkaard's side 1-0 to secure a place in the semifinals in the region's premier tournament.
- Associated Press
- Updated: January 12, 2013 10:27 PM IST
Kuwait knocked Saudi Arabia out of the Gulf Cup on Saturday, beating coach Frank Rijkaard's side 1-0 to secure a place in the semifinals in the region's premier tournament.
The loss comes almost a year after the once-powerful Saudi side failed to advance in 2014 World Cup qualifying. The latest setback is likely to increase calls for Rijkaard's dismissal, since he has done little to revive a side that was once among the best teams in the Middle East. The former Barcelona coach was given a three-year deal in June 2011 worth nearly $16 million.
Yousef al-Sulaiman's strike in the 13th minute was enough for Kuwait which only needed a draw to advance. Al-Sulaiman shrugged off a defender and slotted home the winner.
Iraq, which already qualified in Group B, beat Yemen 2-0.