Palestine had an appointment with destiny on Sunday when they played their first home game world championship, taking on Afghanistan in the second leg of their first AFC qualifying Group for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil ™.
Playing before a home crowd has made this a huge opportunity for the hosts and despite the score 1-1 aggregate victory, a 3-1 was enough to see them in the second round, sparking celebrations among their followers.
As the Palestine players ran out onto the battlefield they were greeted with applause by the abduction of 9,000 fans packing the terraces, before players and supporters alike raised their voices to sing the national anthem.
Among those attending was President of the Palestinian Football Association Colonel Jibril Al Rajoub regime, in addition to a number of important political figures and sports.
Faisal Al-Husseini Stadium, where the contest took place, the October 26, 2008 was officially opened on the tenth anniversary Palestine of joining the FIFA family. That occasion was marked by a friendly Palestine between Jordan and the presence of FIFA President Joseph s. Blatter.
The excitement of yesterday was palpable, and many of Palestine players had good reasons to share in it. Tampa Bay Defender Omaar Jarun That was making his debut for the national side while fellow fullback Roberto Bishara memeber, who plies his trade with Chilean Club Palestino, this was his second appearance on Palestinian soil since joining the side in 2008.
Stunning start
It took just 11 minutes to the fans ' expectations must be fulfilled so spectacular as a 24 year old striker husam Wadi slammed the Afghanistan ball goalkeeper Hamidullah Yousufzai. The goal made him the first player to score in a Palestinian qualifier for the FIFA World Cup Palestinein.
Speaking after the match FIFA.com, to Palestine coach Moussa Bezaz said, "the most important thing for us was qualifying for the next round. We failed, but it was a tough match. Afghanistan were excellent defensively, but luck was against us: we could have scored at least three. "
"It was important that we showed we could host this match," added Bezaz "and we succeeded. We have opened a door for Palestinian football and sport in General. They know that we are able to accommodate sporting events without problems and that is going to help people understand a little better the whole country. "
"The Afghans came up, he played a game and now they're going home and are completely safe all the time," he continued. "Today was the first step and I hope that there will always be more to come!"
"Now we go to Bangkok to play Thailand on July 23 in the next round and then we'll be back on home ground for the return match on 28 July. We look forward to coming here again. "
All smiles of round
The coach wasn't the only smiling face. His obvious joy is reflected on the faces of his players, delighted the tireless support they received from a crowd that applauded them for the duration of the contest yesterday.
Despite conceding the goal of the Afghanistanrecovery, were high spirits of substitute keeper Abdullah Saidawi: "the game was a historic moment for the Palestinian Premier. It caught the attention of the world: all eyes were Palestineon. "
The local football fans will have another opportunity to see their side in action on home ground Palestine assume when Thailand in the second leg of their tie in the second round of Asian qualifying tournament the 28 July.
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