Palestine’s unbeaten run at the FIFA Arab Cup has become the tournament’s feel-good story, with the team now just three wins away from the title. Backed by strong neutral support, they face favourites Saudi Arabia in the quarter-finals. Coach Ihab Abu Jazar says the team feels they are representing the entire Arab world, bringing rare joy to fans in Gaza and the occupied West Bank amid ongoing devastation.
Midfielder Hamed Hamdan says no one expected Palestine to reach the quarter-finals, but the team “always conquers the impossible.”
Saudi Arabia, playing at Lusail Stadium where they beat Argentina in 2022, are aiming for their third Arab Cup crown. Coach Hervé Renard warned the match will be difficult, stressing their focus on reaching the semi-finals. The winner will face either Jordan or Iraq.
Al Jazeera’s David Stokes reports.
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