The Asian Cup’s biggest underdog
They have almost no hope of victory but for Palestine, the biggest battle they’ll face at the Asian Cup isn’t their matches.
Palestine will be represented in a major tournament for the first time on Monday, facing holders Japan in Newcastle.
If you’re looking for an underdog at the Asian Cup, look no further.
Political challenges have erected huge barriers to Palestinian players training together, let alone playing regularly.
Ranked outside FIFA’s top 100 nations, Palestine plays exclusively away from its strife-torn homeland.
With a place at the Asian Cup achieved after winning the second-tier AFC Challenge Cup, forward Ashraf al-Fawaghra said the players vowed to enjoy the occasion.
You might like
“This is a historic occasion for us,” al-Fawaghra told the FIFA.com website.
“Our goal is to let the world know that the Palestinian national team are moving forward, despite the difficulties facing us.”
“We want to convey the message that the Palestinian players have the right to play and develop.
“We want to bring a smile back to the faces of our people and make our fans happy.”
If Japanese coach Javier Aguirre has his way, the Palestinian fans will have to be pleased just to make up the numbers.
The Mexican, appointed after the World Cup, vowed to claim back-to-back Cups.
Stay informed, daily
“We are champions at the moment. We are confident we will win,” he said.
“We respect the other teams but we are here to defend our title.”
“We play well together as a team helping each other, their hard working mentality is high … the team spirit is very high at the moment.”
He said Palestine ought to be respected, despite bookmakers marking Palestine as the weakest team in Australia.
Japan captain Makoto Hasebe said Palestine was a dangerous side.
“I know that Palestine are hungry to win as it is their first time at the Asian Cup,” he said.
“They have speed, defend well and their counter attack moves quickly.
Tomorrows game is important to us and we are ready.”
The three top-seeded teams – Australia, Uzbekistan and Iran – have all won their opening matches.
Monday’s other match pits Jordan against 2007 champions Iraq in Brisbane.
– AAP
