MOHAMMED RASHID once worked as a forklift driver in a Chicago warehouse.

Fast forward to these grim times and Rashid, along with his Palestinian football teammates, carries a heavier weight knowing success on the field offers a little respite from the war raging in Gaza.

Amid the backdrop of the Israeli war on Gaza, now in its eighth month, an inspired Palestinian squad has produced a stirring run to reach the third round in Asia of World Cup qualifying for the first time.