Feature: In spite of loss, Palestinians proud of national football team

The Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and all over the world on Monday have proudly followed their national anthem being played during a first ever official participation of their football team in the Asian Cup Final (AFC) 2015 held in Australia.

Although the Palestinian team was defeated by Japan with four clean goals, the match was largely watched, supported and followed by the Palestinians indoors and in public places.

Early on Monday morning, dozens of the Palestinian national football fans gathered in Gaza city center to follow the match against Japan. A large screen was placed in the Saraya square, as the fans chanted in support for their team, waving players pictures and Palestinian flags.

Fares Jabri, a 20-year-old fan of the Palestinian team expressed to Xinhua his great happiness of the Palestinian team's participation as well as the efforts the players exerted against the professional Japanese players.

"It is an honorable participation not only for me but also for all the Palestinian people, because it is the first ever official participation of the state of Palestine in such an international championship," said Jabri, adding "politically, this participation brings great support to our just cause."

Mohamed al-Madhoun, another Gaza fan kept waving a Palestinian flag during the whole match. He extended "big thanks" to the players of the Palestinian team for their efforts. "I tell all of you that I'm so proud that you are heroes," said he.

"The Palestinian participation in the Asia Cup Final is a great achievement in spite of the siege and the harsh Israeli security measures that are imposed on us. In spite of the lack of facilities and capabilities the Palestinian sports movement passes through," said Madhoun.

The match was not only followed in the Gaza Strip. Hundreds of young people gathered in Palestinian territories in the West Bank to watch the match and support their national team.

Ali Obeidat, a fan of the national team from the West Bank city of Ramallah told Xinhua that the loss of the Palestinian team against Japan was expected because of the significant differences in the performance of the two teams.

"For us as Palestinians, the participation in the championship itself is really honorable," said Obeidat.

Maysoon Aabed, another West Bank female fan told Xinhua that the unity of the Palestinian people "is in itself a great thing."

"The participation of the Palestinian national team is a message to Australia and the entire international community that the Palestinian people really deserve a state and deserve independence," said Aabed.

Ibrahim Abu Salim, deputy chairman of the Palestinian Football Union told Xinhua that he is fully satisfied with the performance of the Palestinian team, adding "the participation of our team in the competition is in itself a great honor and a great achievement."

On Friday, the Palestinian team is scheduled to play against Jordan and next Tuesday, the team will play against Iraq. Endi