CRI听力:Palestinians Excited on Asian Cup Debut despite Defeat

Hundreds of Palestinians gathered at Joseph Blatter Football Academy near the West Bank city of Ramallah on Monday to watch the Asian Cup match live between their national football team and defending champions Japan.

It was the first time for the Palestinian national team to qualify for the tournament. The team was recognized by FIFA in 1998 despite Palestine lacking full membership in the United Nations.

Although being far away from Australia where the game was played, Palestinian fans shouted and cheered throughout the match to show their support for their players.

"It's the first time. We see that this is a very good step for the Palestinians to be in such a game. And (according to) what we have watched, it was very good. They put all their energy, all their efforts. And it was interesting."

For Palestinians, playing in the Asian Cup is not only a football success story, it's also a part of the people's resistance against Israeli occupation.

Abd Al-Majid Hijaih is the Secretary General of the Palestinian Football Association.

"Sport is a good way to get free in the world. These players, they are ambassadors for Palestine, to send our message from all the Palestinians to all the world: there's a people there, they want to live in peace, and they have a dream to play, to reach, to succeed, and to do everything to be a normal people."

Due to tight Israeli restrictions on movement, Palestinian players face difficulties in getting to and from tournaments both at home and away, and some have been arrested or imprisoned.

Hiba Al-Ghoul works with the Palestinian Olympic Committee.

"The Israelis are trying to do anything they can to destroy the sports in Palestine. They've done so far a lot of things, and they are going to do more in the future, so we ask the world to stop this and let us be."

Despite the 4-0 defeat, the Palestinian fans are satisfied with the performance of their team.

"It's OK. We know it's our first time in the Asian Cup. We still have two chances, and hopefully we will do better in the other two matches. We still have hope. We made everything, we put all our will and opportunity to go to Australia. It means a lot for us. It's an achievement to reach this area."

And for young Palestinians, seeing their team at the Asian Cup is a source of encouragement. Sixteen-year-old Eyas gets regular training at the football academy.

"My dream is to play for the Palestinian team and raise the Palestinian flag around the world. I hope one day I can also play in big games like the Asian Cup."

Palestine is 115th in FIFA's world rankings. The team qualified straight into the Asian Cup after it won the Asian Football Confederation's Challenge Cup last May. Fellow Group rivals include Jordan and Iraq.

For CRI, I'm Qizhi.