Hangzhou: Qatar U-23 football squad were held to a goalless draw by Palestine at the Xiaoshan Sports Centre Stadium at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games yesterday.
Qatar, who were outclassed by Japan 1-3 in their opening match, failed to breach the defence of Palestine. After yesterday’s draw, Qatar are third place in three-team Group D.
The top two teams from the six groups qualify for the round of 16, along with four best third-placed teams. Qatari hopes of qualifying for the next round depends on the result between Palestine and Japan.
If Japan, who have already sealed their place in the last 16, beat Palestine by more than two goals then Qatar will qualify as the second best team. A draw or loss by one goal will be sufficient for Palestine to progress. Yesterday, Qatar was the better side for most of the match and created many opportunities but did not succeed in translating any of them into goals.