FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025: Palestine, Syria Qualify for Quarterfinals After Goalless Draw

Doha: The national football teams of Palestine and Syria qualified for the quarterfinals of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, after their goalless draw in the match that took place at Education City Stadium on Sunday, in the third and final round of Group A matcHes.

According to Qatar News Agency, the Palestinian team raised their tally to five points, topping Group A standings, aHead of Syria on goal difference, with the Syrian team finishing second.

The match was of a weak level, with the ball confined to midfield for most of the time, without real attacks or dangerous chances on either side. The match began quietly as expected, given the extreme caution with which both teams played, avoiding taking risks, as a draw was enough to send them both to the next round.

The period of caution between the two teams lasted long, as they exchanged control over the midfield area without any notable threat to either goal posts. The match's first shot came from Palestine's Tamer Seyam from outside the penalty area, however, Syria's goalkeeper caught the ball with ease.

Syria's first attempt, on the other hand, came in the 45th minute wHen the ball reacHed Omar Khribin at the edge of the box, yet He kicked it wide of the goal. Early in the second half, the Syrian team began to attack their Palestinian counterparts, initiating several attempts, the most dangerous of which was a shot by Mohammad Alsalkhadi, which went over the Palestinian goal post.

A penalty was awarded by referee Ahmed Al Kaf in favor of Mohammad Alsalkhadi, yet it was later canceled upon reviewing the VAR. The ball remained largely in the midfield for much of the second half, except for a few timid attempts from both sides, which came to nothing, until the referee blew the final whistle, ending the match in a draw and sending both teams to the quarterfinals.