great story...

SAKHNIN, Israel - Israel finds itself with a chance to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 35 years, and the legs most responsible belong to a devout Muslim who faces racist taunting nearly every time he steps on the field.

Abbas Suan is the captain of Bnei Sakhnin, the only Israeli Arab team in Israel's first division, a team without its own stadium or practice field but one that still managed to win the prestigious State Cup last year. It was knocked out in an earlier round this year, on April 9, but hopes to hang on to its place in the first division.

Suan, 29, whose last-minute equalizer against Ireland on March 26 kept Israel in World Cup contention, now finds his cheery face and toothy smile featured in ads for the state lottery. Its director said he wanted to strike a blow against racism, but also to entice more Israeli Arabs to play the lottery.

For Suan, it's a little more money for someone who makes, without bonuses, about $1,500 a month, and it's another chance to stress, in his quiet way, that Israeli Arabs are an integral part of Israel and are not going to disappear.