Saudi Arabia, Palestine share points

AMMAN — Saudi Arabia dropped points for the first time in World Cup 2018 qualifying as it played out a goalless draw with Palestine in Amman Monday. Bert van Marwijk's side had won all four of its previous Group A outings, the past three of which had been under the Dutchman's leadership, but failed to take its chances at the Amman International Stadium in Jordan – the neutral venue used due to security concerns in Palestine. The encounter began slowly, with Yahia Al-Shehri seeing his deflected effort cleared off the line by Alexis Nourambuena in the best chance of the first half. Saudi Arabia was let off the hook soon after the restart when Ashraf Al-Fawaghra fired wide after pouncing on goalkeeper Khaled Sharahili's poor pass out. The Saudi side pushed for a winner to expand its advantage at the top of the group, but Taisir Al-Jassim hit the crossbar following a brilliant run from Al-Shehri. The duo combined again late in the game, but Al-Jassim skewed wide of the far post with 10 minutes remaining. Third-placed Palestine move within one point of the United Arab Emirates – which has played one game fewer - while Saudi Arabia opened up a six-point lead over the same nation. — Agencies