Syria all set to take on Palestine in opener
damascus — Syria take the field on Sunday for their first international tournament in eight years of war.
The Qasioun Eagles take on Palestine in their first game of the Asian Cup group stage, hoping to make up for the heartbreak of narrowly missing out on the World Cup finals in Russia last year.
After last year’s disappointment, national team member Muayyad Ajaan said he was determined this time would be different.
“The pressures and the pains of war have had a positive impact on our spirits. We’re determined to make the Syrian people happy,” he told AFP. “Our qualification is a victory for everyone.”
The team’s participation in the Asian Cup has particular significance as Syria remains banned from hosting international fixtures.
Maria Barud, 29, who works at a clothes store in Damascus, said she and others were in desperate need of some joy after gruelling years of war.
“I never thought a day would come when I remembered the name of a football player, but I’ve remembered all the names of players in the Syrian team,” she said.
“I follow what matches are when, and even bought the team shirt.”
“I no longer see it as just a rough boys’ game. It’s become a sensitive national topic,” Barud said.
“We dance when the team wins, and cry when it loses.”
Syria reached an advanced stage in qualifications for the 2018 World Cup, only to be denied at the last hurdle with a defeat to Australia.
Syria will face the Socceroos again in the group stage of the Asian Cup, as well as vying with Palestine and Jordan for a place in the knock-out phase.
Syria’s team for now will focus on surviving as a long as possible in the newly expanded Asian Cup, which includes 24 instead of 16 teams this year.
The Qasioun Eagles, named after a mount overlooking Damascus, will face Palestine in their first game on Sunday.
Goalkeeper Ibrahim Alma said he and his teammates were determined to do well. “People need to come together” despite the war, he said. —