South Korea faced a tough challenge from Palestine in a recent World Cup qualifying match, with the game ending in a 0-0 draw. Despite being newcomers in the third stage of Asian qualifying and ranked 96th by FIFA, Palestine put up a strong performance against the 23rd-ranked South Korea team. The Palestinian team plays their home matches abroad due to the ongoing war in Gaza, and many players are currently without a club as the local league has been suspended.
In the match, Palestine had a goal disallowed for offside in the first half, while South Korea struggled to find their footing, with key player Son Heung-min failing to make a significant impact. The game saw chances at both ends, but neither team managed to break the deadlock. Palestinian goalkeeper Rami Hamadeh made crucial saves to deny South Korea’s Lee Kang-in, while Palestinian forward Oday Dabbagh came close on a rare breakaway opportunity.
Despite their challenges, Palestine secured a valuable point against South Korea, showcasing their resilience and determination. Under the guidance of Tunisian coach Makram Daboub, the Palestinian team has seen significant progress this year, with a historic win at the Asian Cup against Hong Kong. The team’s impressive performance at the tournament, where they reached the knockout stages for the first time, has raised hopes for their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Looking ahead, Palestine will face Jordan in their next qualifier in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The team trained in Malaysia ahead of the South Korea match and will return to prepare for the upcoming game, which is technically a home match for them. This marks the first time Palestine has reached this stage of World Cup qualifying, finishing second in their group behind Australia after winning two games, losing two, and drawing two in the previous phase.
Overall, Palestine’s strong showing against South Korea and their recent successes on the international stage highlight the team’s potential and resilience. With the support of their coach and dedicated players, Palestine is making significant strides in Asian football and aiming to secure a spot in the World Cup for the first time in their history. The team’s determination and spirit have captivated fans and pundits alike, making them a team to watch in the upcoming qualifiers and beyond.
