Palestinian Football Diplomas And Praise From Son Heung-min

JAKARTA - Palestine have just met South Korea in the sixth match of the 2026 World Cup Qualification Third Round of the Asian Zone, November 19, 2024.

The match, which was held at the Amman International Stadium, Jordan, ended with a score of 1-1.

Palestine took the lead in the 12th minute through Zaid Qunbar before Son Heung-min equalized four minutes later.

For Son Heung-min, the match was unusual. Indeed, South Korea regretted the result of the series, but there was something more important than the final score.

The Tottenham Hotspur star knows how misery Palestinian football is. However, their enthusiasm to compete in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers actually amazed Son.

How difficult it was for Palestinian football in the midst of a conflict with Israel was told by goalkeeper Rami Hamadeh.

Hamadeh now has no club for more than a year and is one of four players in the newest squad who is currently unbound.

In fact, after their previous meeting with South Korea, Hamadeh has spoken about the obstacles they have to overcome just to participate in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

"We haven't done any (training) camps. The (outer-based) players aren't with us in a lot of time."

"I haven't had a team for a year because of the war, the league has stopped in Palestine."

"I train alone. I train with my friends. However, I have a responsibility to be here," said Hamadeh.

Captain Taegeuk Warriros understands very well how the Palestinian condition is still in conflict with Israel so that the match is played in a neutral place, which should be a party at home to Palestine.

No wonder, he threw praise after the match and greatly appreciated the Palestinian struggle to participate in football even though it was very difficult.

"I want to give a round of applause to the Palestinian team. Seeing them working hard, even in difficult conditions, is something we think we can learn."

"I think they have been well prepared and are carrying out their plans very well," Son said generously, although he was disappointed with the results.

This is the second time that Palestine has frustrated South Korea, having played a 0-0 draw in Seoul in September 2024.

In two meetings with South Korea, Palestine had to hold 32 shots into the net with goalkeeper Rami Hamadeh who was able to overcome the challenge on both occasions.

Palestine is able to hold on to one important point which gives them the opportunity to reach the next qualifying round, at least to keep the World Cup dream.

Currently Palestine is at the bottom of Group B with only three points from six matches. However, they have not given up.

That burning spirit made Son Heung-min have great respect for Palestine.