'We tried to put smiles on the faces of Palestinians amid their great pain' - penalty shatters World Cup dream.

Palestine's quest for a first appearance at a World Cup evaporated on a contentious penalty awarded deep in extra time

Palestinine's fans wave national flags ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier football match between Kuwait and Palestine at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City on June 5, (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)

A long and engrossing qualifying journey of 16 games, while dealing with the obstacles of a war, came crashing down in an instant for Oday Dabbagh and his Palestinian team.

Their legacy will long continue.