Thousand turn out to watch Saudi Arabia play World Cup qualifier against Palestine in occupied West Bank - in pictures

Palestine dominated proceedings against a team ranked 31 places above them in the Fifa rankings but could not make the breakthrough against five-time World Cup qualifiers Saudi Arabia

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Saudi Arabia played out a 0-0 draw against Palestine in a landmark game in the occupied West Bank.

The two sides met in a World Cup 2022 qualifier at the Palestinian national stadium in Al Ram, a part of the West Bank close to Jerusalem but cut off from the city by an Israeli separation barrier.

The Palestinian Football Association said it expected around 8,000 fans to attend the match against Saudi Arabia, who had previously refused to enter the territory as part of its boycott of Israel.

Arab clubs and national teams have historically refused to play in the Palestinian territories - occupied by the Jewish state since 1967 - as it requires obtaining entry permits from Israel.

Palestine dominated proceedings against a team ranked 31 places above them in the Fifa rankings but could not make the breakthrough against five-time World Cup qualifiers Saudi Arabia.

Uzbekistan's 3-1 victory over Singapore moved them to the top of Group D, one point ahead of second-placed Saudi Arabia with Palestine and Singapore on four points.

Next up for Palestine is an away trip to face Yemen, while the Saudis travel to Tashkent for the clash with Uzbekistan.

Above is a picture gallery of the match between Palestine and Saudi Arabia. To move on to the next image, click on the arrows, or if using a mobile device, simply swipe.