"It was a good result, just as, in recent days, we had done some good training. We go on day by day, and in spite of everything. Try to understand: my parents live in a constant state of anxiety, because of the war and what is happening." On the day of the national teams, in which the second phase of the World Cup qualifiers in the Asia zone also began, Palestine also returned to the field (for the first time since the beginning of the conflict between Israel and Hamas), which on a neutral field, in the United Arab Emirates, and behind closed doors, drew 0-0 with Lebanon in Group I. And the words of coach Makram Daboub describe the conditions in which his team plays, Able to start with a positive result that gives hope for the passage of the round. Given the situation, suffice it to say that Palestine today played without three starters who were unable to leave the Gaza Strip, going to the third round would be a miracle, but in each group the first two pass, so why not hope, even taking into account that the first place will be Australia who today overwhelmed Bangladesh 7-0? The strength of this team, explains its coach, is that "we are absolutely proud to represent the people of Palestine, we want to give the people positive results and for me it is a great honor to lead these guys." Apart from the three who were unable to leave ("ten of my players play in Palestinian clubs - explains Daboub - but only seven managed to escape"), have been in Jordan since 22 October, where they have been training ahead of today's match and next Tuesday's match in Kuwait (again on neutral ground) against the Australian 'Socceroos'. "The biggest difficulties are the psychological ones," says the coach, "how can you not think about what is happening in Plalestina, and about family, friends and relatives? Even when we're on the bus, all together, my parents try to make phone calls, but I don't tell them anything: I understand the situation." A former Palestine international, Said al-Kurd, had his house completely razed to the ground by bombing, and managed to take away only a cup and a 'bunch' of medals, i.e. the trophies of a career. For the rest, he has nothing left, and his image in front of the rubble has made the rounds of his comrades. "We are the team of a people who want to be seen and heard by the rest of the world," explains Daboub, "and who would like to live normally like the others. This national team of ours represents the desire of a state that would like to be free and sovereign." So let's go ahead with the dream of the World Cup, in which Palestine has never taken part. In the meantime, they will try to limit the damage against Australia, even if the games that count are those off the field.
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