Hangzhou, China: Qatar were held to a goalless draw by Palestine on Friday in the matchday2 tie of the football tournament at the Asian Games 2023, played at Xiaoshan Sports Center Stadium. Coming off a successful run in the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ 2024 Qualifiers, where the men in maroon won all three matches in the qualifying group: the maroons were expected to take a less complex rout into the knockout phase of the competition, however, they find themselves in the precarious position of awaiting a Japanese favor in the last match of the group. Having elected to make some changes to the starting lineup in the previous match, coach Ildio Vale ’s side clearly entered the game with a far more attacking mindset. Qatar created numerous goal-scoring chances throughout the match despite having just forty-eight hours to rest following a grueling opening fixture against Japan. Following a cautious beginning to the proceedings, Qatar's Tamim Mansour was the first to pose a real threat when he blasted a volley from inside the box but was denied by the keeper, gesturing the maroon's intent on bouncing back after their opening match defeat to Japan. Qatar’s dominance was further solidified during the rest of the first half, forcing the Palestinians to sit back and absorb pressure until the halftime whistle. Qatar’s superiority during the first half was manifested through the stats; four shots on target and six corners were all unanswered by their opponents. Qatar continued to probe for a breakthrough and started the second half with more aggression and came close to breaking the deadlock in the 48th minute when Mansour steered his header just wide off a corner. Palestine wasted a golden opportunity to snatch the lead with Al Saidawi smashing his close range shot near the left post just before the hour-mark. The winning goal eluded Qatar until the very end, and in some instances in a very bizarre fashion, despite coach Ildio Vale bringing in substitute players at various points in the second half. Sightings at goal were few and far between for Palestine after the restart too, with forwards getting on the end of a couple of half chances but doing little to trouble Abdullah Yousif as the sides ultimately shared the spoils. The result placed Palestine in the second spot in the Group D standings with 1 point and behind leaders Japan, who beat Qatar with 3 points. Qatar, also with 1 point, are third due to a negative goal-difference.