Palestinian football fans gathered in Saad Sayel Sports Hall in Gaza City on Tuesday, to watch Qatar World Cup match between Iran and United States.
The Palestinians showed their support for Iran national team with chantings and flags, rooting for the Persian country to win and make it to the knockout stages.
“We encourage Iran against America, because Iran is an Islamic country and, God willing, it will achieve victory over America. America is the enemy of the homeland and the enemy of Palestine. I hope that the Iranian team exerts all its energy to win against America”, said Mohsen Abdul Rahman, one of the fans that attended the event.
Nevertheless, the fans stayed proud of the Iranian team after their defeat by 0 – 1. “Of course, I support Iran, whether it is victorious or defeated, because it is the only supporter of the resistance here in the Gaza Strip, and of course all the best. And respect for them, it was a great match and it is enough that we in Gaza enjoyed them”, said another fan.
Christian Pulisic scored the only goal of the game, making USA national team to reach the knockout stages at Qatar World Cup. The US avenged their 1998 World Cup loss to the Iranians and remain unbeaten in Qatar.
USA will face a stern test against the Netherlands when they meet at Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday.
Palestine national football team did not qualify to compete at Qatar World Cup in 2022.
