Gold Cup: Saudi Arabia tie Trinidad, advance out of Group D

Field Level MediaField Level Media|published: Sun 22nd June, 21:22 2025
Soccer: Concacaf Gold Cup-Group Stage-Trinidad and Tobago at Saudi ArabiaJun 22, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Saudi Arabia forward Marwan Al Sahafi (8) and Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Kaihim Thomas (25) battle for control of the ball during the second half of a group stage match of the 2025 Gold Cup at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Aguirre-Imagn Images

Firas Al-Buraikan found the all-important equalizer for Saudi Arabia to notch a 1-1 draw with Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday in Las Vegas, ensuring the CONCACAF's guests would advance to the knockout stage of the Gold Cup.

While the United States won Group D with a perfect 3-0-0 record, Saudi Arabia finished 1-1-1 (4 points) to place second. Trinidad and Tobago (0-1-2, 2 points) would have leapfrogged Saudi Arabia for second with a victory.

Justin Garcia nearly put Trinidad ahead in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time, but his point-blank shot from the center of the box caromed off the crossbar.


Al-Buraikan's tying goal also involved the woodwork. Saleh Al-Shehri received a pass down the center lane, dribbled around one defender and watched his ensuing shot hit the crossbar and stay out of the net. Al-Buraikan ran in to collect the ball and tap it behind goalkeeper Marvin Phillip (two saves).

Dante Sealy staked Trinidad to a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute on a left-footed rocket from outside the box.

Nawaf Al-Aqidi made two saves for Saudi Arabia.

--Field Level Media

ad banner
home gold-cup-saudi-arabia-tie-trinidad-advance-out-of-group-d