Palestine's World Cup Dream: Saudi Arabia and Malaysia

The Palestinian national team took center stage last month as they started their long, difficult road to the World Cup in Russia in 2018. Asia's World Cup qualification is an extremely difficult process for the weaker teams who are usually paired up against much stronger opponents and eliminated very early on in the competition. A new format saw Palestine be drawn into a group with Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, East Timor, and the UAE. In June, Palestine played their first two games against the Saudis and Malaysia. This is Palestine's story of heartbreak, resilience, pride, and joy. 

The very young, inexperienced Palestinian national team consisting of player from Sweden, Slovenia, and Chile.

First, the Palestinians faced the enormous, seemingly-impossible task of defeating the Saudis at their home. The Saudi team is much more experienced and consists of players who play in some of the world's top leagues, and was obviously confident they would not drop points to their far-weaker Arab counterparts. The game started terribly for the Palestinians. Five minutes in the Saudis scored and the possibility of an upset seemed all but over. Second half starts, and the Saudis find themselves another goal. The game seemed over, the Palestinians defeated. Chilean-Palestinian Pablo Tamburini thought otherwise and found the end of a cross to get the Palestinians right back in it. 2-1 down and less then two minutes left to play, the game was surely over. Saudi's goalkeeper though otherwise. An extremely stupid move saw the goalie give the ball straight to Chilean-Palestinian striker Matias Jadue who calmly sent the ball into the net and put the Palestinians on level terms. The Palestinians went berserk. Pure Euphoria. Against all odds, they managed to level the game against one of the strongest teams in Asia and their World Cup dream was still intact. There was just one problem. The game hadn't ended. The ref blew his whistle to start play for the last minute of stoppage time remaining and some horrendous defending led to utter heartbreak. The Saudis managed to score. The last kick of the game was the Saudi Arabian goal and the Palestinians were in shock. I, watching from a grainy live stream, could not believe my eyes. In a matter of seconds, pure euphoria turned to complete agony. It was heartbreaking to watch, but the Palestinians had done it to themselves. 

Now, the Palestinians had to pick themselves up and try to get a win against a relatively strong Malaysian side. The two teams seemed evenly matched and the game could go either way. One advantage Malaysia had over the Palestinians was the home-field advantage, and the support of thousands of dedicated fans. Both teams had something to prove and this was their opportunity to make a name for themselves. The World Cup may still be a world away, but these game hold the same importance for these players as the World Cup final does for players like Messi. Palestine had a point to prove and needed the points to have any hope of advancing out of their group. 

The Palestinians took to the field, and they did not disappoint. Goals rained into the Malaysian net, and the Palestinians found themselves up 3-0 by halftime. They were playing some of the best football in their entire history and seemed unstoppable. The Malaysians looked like boys among men, and could not withstand the sheer quality of the Palestinian players. Perhaps the most incredible story to come out of the game is that of Sameh Maraaba. The young Palestinian player was traveling with team almost a year ago, and was detained and unjustly imprisoned by Israeli Security forces. Strict travel restriction made this the norm for the Palestinians and it was assumed he would be quickly released. The young footballing hopeful found himself locked inside an Israeli prison for 8 months for absolutely no reason or evidence. After pressure by the international community, Israel finally released him and he was welcomed home as a hero. Imprisonment had taken its toll on Sameh  and he was out of shape and not the young football prodigy that he once seemed to be. Despite his unjust circumstances, Sameh trained nonstop and soon found himself on the roster for Palestine's team traveling to Malaysia. By the end of the Malaysia game, Palestine had annihilated and humiliated the Malaysians and won 6-0. Sameh was one of the best players on the pitch and scored two great goals to lead his team to victory. 12 moths earlier, young Sameh was locked up somewhere in an Israeli prison with no hope of survival and now he lead his team to international glory.  

Sameh Maraaba celebrating his goal. 

The Malaysia game left Palestinians everywhere feeling a sense of national pride and jubilation. It was by far one of Palestine's best game in their football history and will not be forgotten anytime soon. Palestine now sit atop their group and still have to play UAE and East Timor, then every team again. Although World Cup qualification is a long way away and is still an extremely difficult, unlikely accomplishment for the Palestinian National Team, the significance of such a huge win extends far beyond just football. This sent a message to the rest of the world the Palestine is still here, still struggling, but still surviving. Despite not having a recognized nation, having one of the worlds highest unemployment rate, worst economies, most populated cities, and under constant threat of Israeli occupation, Palestinians remain hopeful of a brighter tomorrow. Sameh Maraaba is just one example of how dedication and resilience can go a long way, which is something that all Palestinians need right now. I want to thank the heroes out on the pitch who showed us what it means to be a Palestinian. In the words of the Egyptian commentator who went insane after Palestine's fantastic performance, "Raise your head, you are an Arab! Raise your head, you are a Palestinian!" 

The Palestinians pray after scoring against Malaysia. 

The team celebrate after their historic win.