Palestinians play first World Cup qualifier at home

[LeftishBrit]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-14005256

Palestine, Palestine" was the rhythmic chant that rang on a warm evening in Ramallah as the Palestinian National team went through into the next round of World Cup qualification after a 1-1 draw with Afghanistan.

The match was the first World Cup game ever to be played at home in the Palestinian territories.

Up to 8,000 Palestinian supporters were in full voice as they watched the contest between two much troubled peoples....

Palestinian politicians have heralded this first World Cup match being played on home soil as a sign of how much security has improved in the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority...

[Arctic Dave]

1. I wonder how long until israel "bloody sunday" them.

It will probably be an "errant" drone strike.

[King_David]

2. Good to see some signs of normalcy

Vibrant cafes and stores and organized sporting events in Ramallah.

[oberliner]

3. Palestine Advances in 2014 Cup Qualifying

Palestine, the only one of FIFA’s 208 members that is not a state recognized by the United Nations, advanced to the next round of Asia’s preliminary qualifying for the 2014 World Cup after tying Afghanistan, 1-1, in Al-Ram, West Bank, and winning by 3-1 over all.

The Palestinians, ranked No. 171 in the world, advanced to face Thailand in the second preliminary round. The Palestinian defender Hasam Wadi scored in the 11th minute, and Balal Arezou scored in the 63rd for Afghanistan.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/04/sports/soccer/palestine-advances-in-2014-cup-qualifying.html

Imagine the response to Palestine playing in the 2014 World Cup!