World Cup qualifiers: Palestine create history by reaching third round for first time
- A draw with Lebanon is enough for them to progress, while India icon Sunil Chhetri says goodbye in his 151st appearance for his country
Palestine created history when they booked a place in the third round of the Fifa World Cup qualifiers for the first time following a goalless draw against Lebanon in Doha.
Against the backdrop of the war in Gaza, the Palestinian team has already claimed a piece of footballing history this year by making a debut appearance in the Asian Cup knockout phase.
On Thursday, Palestine, who came into the Group I match with seven points, needed only a draw to progress, and they got the desired result despite some rough tactics by Lebanon, who picked up seven yellow cards.
It will also mark the fourth consecutive time Palestine have booked their place in the AFC Asian Cup finals, to be hosted by Saudi Arabia in 2027.
Manager Makram Daboub’s men take on Australia on June 11 next. The Socceroos were 2-0 winners against Bangladesh in Dhaka.
Bayern Munich-bound Nestory Irankunda, born in a refugee camp in Tanzania after his parents escaped fighting in their native Burundi, made his debut for unbeaten Australia.