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'FINALLY'

World Cup 2018: Argentina cancel Israel warm-up after protests, confirms striker Gonzalo Higuain

Political pressure has been growing since the fixture was switched to Jerusalem with Palestinian leaders hailing the cancellation

ARGENTINA have cancelled their World Cup warm-up clash against Israel in the wake of a mounting political storm.

Pressure has been increasing since the fixture was moved to Jerusalem, with recent protests outside the South Americans' training ground.

Protesters have been camped outside Argentina's training ground
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Protesters have been camped outside Argentina's training groundCredit: Reuters
Tensions between Israel and Palestine have spiked in recent weeks
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Tensions between Israel and Palestine have spiked in recent weeksCredit: Reuters

Striker Gonzalo Higuain, 30, confirmed the cancellation as he told EPSN: "They've finally done the right thing."

The match at Jerusalem's Teddy Stadium was to be Argentina's last before they kick off their World Cup campaign in  on June 16.

The Palestinian FA issued a statement which read: "We thank Argentina's players led by star Messi for refusing to be used to serve a non-sporting goal."

Palestinian FA chairman Jibril Rajoub added: "Values, morals and sport have secured a victory today and a red card was raised at Israel through the cancellation of the game."

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Gonzalo Higuain hailed the move from the Argentinian FA
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Gonzalo Higuain hailed the move from the Argentinian FACredit: AFP or licensors
Argentina's decision to play in Israel had come under close scrutiny
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Argentina's decision to play in Israel had come under close scrutinyCredit: Reuters

Israel and Palestine are at loggerheads over Jerusalem, which both claim as their capital.

Tensions have increased after the US moved their embassy there from Tel Aviv in a controversial move from Donald Trump.

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Over a hundred Palestinians have lost their lives in recent weeks, with thousands more injured.

Argentina's World Cup plans have taken a huge blow after the decision to call off the friendly, with no announcement over an alternative opponent.

Argentina's World Cup preparations have not been ideal
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Argentina's World Cup preparations have not been idealCredit: Reuters

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Jorge Sampaoli is struggling to find balance in a squad which was hammered 6-1 by Spain in March.

No1 stopper Sergio Romero has been ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury in a boost to the Argies' group rivals Nigeria, Iceland and Croatia.

Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria in good spirits despite gruelling double training session for Argentina in Barcelona

 

 

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