Receive news, analysis, and other content straight to your inbox by subscribing to Football Palestine (free or paid), here.
It was more of the same frustration for Palestine’s Olympic team who departed a soaked pitch in Hangzhou feeling their efforts merited more than a 0-0 draw in their 2022 Asian Games opener
Qatar created very little in the match. Palestine had the lion’s share of possession but were missing the final touch that could convert their control into an advantage.
To make matters worse for Palestine there were few difference makers on the bench. Due to a combination of club commitments and injuries Ehab Abu Jazar only had 17 players (14 outfield players) at his disposal leaving him with an inability to use his full slate of five substitutes.
Palestine had a scare in injury time when Mohammed Saleh’s headed corner kick clearance crashed against the crossbar but the follow up was put wide by Al-Annabi.
The 0-0 draw is not a bad result for Palestine by any means. Withdrawals have left the tournament with 21 teams meaning only five will be eliminated. Four fourth place teams (not all groups have four teams) and a single third place team.
As it stands Palestine will punch their ticket to the Round of 16 for the third straight time with a win, draw, or a one goal loss against Japan on Monday.
A heavier defeat would leave Palestine in third place but as only one third place team is eliminated- Palestine might end up advancing on a solitary point and a goal difference of -3 or -4 depending on results elsewhere.
