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Null and undefeated after the match between the Saudi and Palestinian selections on Tuesday, October 15, 2019 in the frame of the qualifiers of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. This was the first time that Saudi Arabia has agreed to play in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
With our correspondent in Ramallah, Marine Vlahovic
A street vendor sets up his shawarma stand in the shadow of the separation wall and under the noses of thousands of Palestinians converging on Al Ram Stadium, just off the fence near Jerusalem.
All come to support their team against Saudi Arabia, a controversial opponent according to Imran Tamam. " The Saudis, he denounces, have ties with Israel but also with the United States, so we are against them. And it's a good opportunity to beat them. "
The arrival of the Saudi team in occupied territory, with the agreement of Israel, raises criticism of Palestinians, he said. Some denounce a normalization of the conflict, unlike their leaders.
They reserved a warm welcome to the Saudi team, posting the meeting as a diplomatic victory. On the football field, however, no victory: the Palestinians miss several opportunities while the Saudis are lavishly whistled. Final score: 0-0.
Mahmoud Abbas in Saudi Arabia
A draw that leaves the audience bitter. But for Salah Nasser, the main thing was not to lose face. " Palestine, he recalls, is a small team, so it's a good score. "
Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority who was to receive the Saudi team after the match failed, because of express travel to Riyadh.
► See also: Palestinian selection welcomes Saudi Arabia
The portraits of President Mahmoud Abbas, Yasser Arafat, King Salman and Prince Mohammed ben Salman.
REUTERS / Mohamad TorokmanThe fans focused on the match Palestine-Saudi Arabia Al Ram, October 15, 2019.
REUTERS / Mohamad TorokmanDraw, 0-0, after the meeting Palestine-Saudi Arabia, October 15 at Al Ram.
REUTERS / Mohamad Torokman