An evenly matched first period saw Iraq the first to threaten with a pair of chances falling the way of Murtadha Qasim who couldn’t find the target before Saudi Arabia’s Ahmed Al Hamami’s  shot on the turn was parried away by Ibrahim Imad.

Al Hamami then had a great opportunity in the third minute  but composure deserted him at the most important moment when he stabbed wide from close range with Imad later pushing away a Waleed Al Youbi attempt.

Saudi Arabia, however, claimed the opener in the final minute of the opening period through fortunate circumstances when Majed Shamhani’s free-kick bounced and looped over Imad into the net.

Ramzi Dakman nearly doubled Saudi Arabia’s lead in the 17th minute, only for this attempt to hit the post as Iraq capitalised two minutes later when Hayder Abbas intercepted Al Hamami’s backpass to strike home.

Al Hamami was presented a chance for immediate redemption in the 20th minute and accepted the invitation to smash home an unstoppable free-kick to restore Saudi Arabia ‘s lead.

Iraq went into attack mode in the third period but it left gaps in the defence which Saudi Arabia exploited in the 28th minute with a two on one situation as Al Youbi exchanged passes with Al Hamami before turning in a low shot.

To their credit, Iraq tried to mount a comeback with Hussein Khudhair pulling a goal back in the 33rd minute but it was too little too late as they ended a dismal campaign in which they lost all three matches.