Remembering 2007: Younis Mahmoud’s Revelations Reopen Iraq–Saudi Rivalry

Key moments from a controversial final

Younis Mahmoud, vice-president of the Iraqi Football Association, has reignited debate with remarks recalling the moments of Iraq's 2007 Asian Cup triumph.

Back then, the Lions of Mesopotamia lifted the trophy by defeating Saudi Arabia 1-0, with Mahmoud himself scoring the decisive goal.

Mahmoud's name remains etched in Arab sports memory after that famous strike against a Saudi side that was among the tournament's favorites.

The tension intensified when Yasser Al-Qahtani won the tournament's best player award, a decision Mahmoud criticized, fueling repeated exchanges with the Saudis over the years.

In an interview on the Qatari network Al-Kass, Mahmoud described what happened in the Iraqi camp before the final, saying players watched the Saudi-Japan semi to gauge who they would meet, and that Saudi's qualification gave Iraq a mental boost.

He noted that facing Saudi Arabia was the preferred option for Iraqi players compared with Japan, arguing that the psychological edge mattered and that Iraq felt more comfortable against the Green Falcons.

He concluded that Iraq knew the final would be tough but had the character and ability to seal the trophy, arguing that mental factors often decide big games, a reason many Gulf players prefer Saudi in major championships.

These remarks come ahead of Saudi Arabia's semifinal against Jordan in the 2025 Arab Cup in Qatar.

Punchline 1: If memories were goals, Mahmoud would have a golden boot.

Punchline 2: And if nostalgia sent assists, we'd all be watching highlights from the bench.