Is this the happiest 0-0 in football history? Back to back at the end of a completely closed match this Sunday at the conclusion of Group A of the Arab Cup, Palestine and Syria failed to decide between themselves at Al Rayyan (Qatar). A logical goalless draw given the statistics of the match – 3 shots on target at 1 and 0.21 from Expected Goals at 0.13 in favor of the Syrians – which did not prevent the players of both teams from exploding with joy at the final whistle.
Undefeated before this third and final group match, the two nations only needed one point to validate their qualification for the quarter-finals. Suffice to say that the draw suited everyone on Sunday and that the additional time must have seemed very long for the 22 players. In possession of the ball, the Palestinians neutralized the last two minutes by circulating it calmly in their camp, without their opponents coming to press.
Two countries ravaged by war
The image undoubtedly enraged the Tunisians, eliminated despite their success against Qatar at the same time (0-3). Far from polluting their minds with these considerations, the Palestinians and Syrians exulted at the end of the game and for good reason: the first cities had never before reached the quarter-finals of the Arab Cup in their history. For Syria, we had to go back to the 1992 edition.
A major achievement for two countries ravaged by war which are performing despite a very difficult national context. Aware of having written a page in their respective history, players from both camps mingled to celebrate their prowess. Exchange of jerseys, hugs and even a joint photo: the brotherhood was total after the meeting, already offering one of the most beautiful images of this 2025 Arab Cup.
In the quarter-finals, Palestine will face the runners-up in Group B, which will be either Saudi Arabia, Morocco or Oman. Syria will find the winner of this group.
