Asian Cup 2019: Palestine (Preview)

Running up to their second successive Asian Cup campaign, the improvements made by the Palestine national football team have been incredible in their upward trajectory. While qualification was an undoubted success, managerial changes akin to those at this point four years ago threaten to destabilise the side going into an appealing looking group stage for potential progression.

The difference in perceptions and quality at this point compared to four years ago is staggering. Palestine travelled to Australia in 2015 as heavy outsiders, debutants to the competition, basking in the feel-good factor as everyone’s second favourite team, only to come away with three comprehensive losses, conceding 11 goals in the process.

Four years on, the mood has changed, both within the camp and in wider Asian football perceptions. Palestine are tipped by some to unsettle in the Emirates, even challenge for progression to the knockouts, something unheard of prior to this campaign.

The change has come to pass, through a greater quality of players being uncovered, via the vast waves of diaspora, a manager who has bred an attack focussed side, and the fact that the national team has returned home for the first time in nearly five years, to host competitive internationals. All factors adding up, Palestine only succumbed to defeat three times in qualification; considering they faced the likes of Saudi Arabia and UAE early on, the record speaks for itself in its improvement.

So much so, that they were only three points away from qualifying for the latter rounds of World Cup qualification. But for defeat on the second to last matchday, away in the Emirates against Omar Abdulrahman et al, Palestine illustrated their might on the continental stage, a measure of quality that has been honed in the resulting build-up.

A catalyst behind the rise was Abdel Nasser Barakat, a home coach, with the respect of players and fans alike, who guided the squad through qualification expertly, breaking a number of national records along the way. The construction of a winning mentality, on a side that was already hard to beat, with a growing spine, Barakat was seen as the ideal man to lead them into the Asian Cup.

As was the case four years ago however, when former coach Jamal Mahmoud was displaced unceremoniously, Barakat’s tenure was cut short upon qualification. His replacement, the bizarrely appointed Bolivian Julio Cesar Baldivieso lasted only two matches, feeling the axe at the start of the year after great pressure from the fanbase finally swung the FA into making a quick decision.

From then, rookie Algerian coach Noureddine Ould Ali, who initially stepped in as caretaker boss has subsequently fallen into the job on a permanent time basis to lead The Fedayeen into January. Ould Ali, who was assistant under Barakat, has justifiably transferred that relationship to the players, but with anger from the fans, still smarting from the whole Barakat mess with the FA, the build up to the tournament remains simmering hot.

Recent friendly results have been mixed, Palestine still struggle for the razzle dazzle friendlies other nations take for granted, but their preparation has been extensive, often running the rule in friendly tournaments, such as the Bangabandhu Cup held in Bangladesh outside of FIFA approved international windows.

The team on their day are best when attacking the opposition, a trait they illustrated perfectly in qualifying, recording back-to-back 6-0 victories over Malaysia, a 7-0 win over Timor-Leste, an 8-1 victory over Maldives, and an incredible 10-0 effort over Bhutan. These can easily be brushed off as one offs against minnow nations, but it’s easy to forget, Palestine were regularly thought of in the same bracket until very recently.

A reason behind such a varied and potent attack has been built on the success of their diaspora, recruiting players from as far wide as Chile, to Germany and Sweden in Europe. The varied styles of play the squad brings to the plate is a melting pot that can’t be underestimated in its unpredictability. At the heart of the team, the creative ingenuity of Pablo Tamburrini keeps the side ticking on, while the physicality of Mahmoud Eid on one flank, and the young enthusiasm of Oday Dabbagh on the other is a regular handful.

Quite oddly in such a varied attacking lineup, the keeper could become the star of this side’s campaign. One of a handful that still ply their trade in Palestine, Rami Hamadeh looks a prospect that could be considered for a transfer after the competition finishes in February. A modern goalkeeper moulding typical shot stopping abilities as well as those with his feet, Hamadeh is likely to get quite a bit of action at some point in the tournament, especially against Australia in the group stage, so it’ll be an interesting test of his continental pedigree.

Aside from the reigning continental champions, Jordan and Syria complete an intriguing set of fixtures for Palestine, who can go into the tournament in high spirits. The late change of management has tainted their preparations slightly, however with a squad that is starting to blossom at the right time, and with those around them experiencing similar difficulties, Group B looks wide open for the taking.

Key Men

Head Coach - Noureddine Ould Ali (ALG)

Former assistant to the impressive Abdel Nasser Barakat, Ould Ali may have been an underwhelming replacement initially, but he’s starting to bring the fans around in his first head coach position. Has broadly rotated his squad and line-up selections, ever since he took charge but to effect, clinching victory in the friendly Bangabandhu Cup in October.

Star Player - Rami Hamadeh

Stepping into the shoes of Palestine’s all-time record caps holder Ramzi Saleh is by no means the easiest of tasks, yet 24-year-old keeper Hamadi has done so, making a serious impression. An all-round modern keeper, who is confident in the air and in distribution, could well be Palestine’s secret weapon.

Cult Hero - Abdelatif Bahdari

A cult figure in Asian football, not always for the right reasons. An ever present in his side’s rise in prominence but about to enter his final years of his career. The Palestinian captain and central defender has the raw ability to excel at this level, but the positioning and concentration to often concede ground.

Young Prospect - Oday Dabbagh

20-year-old left winger who broke onto the international scene with an impressive goalscoring run at the Under 23s Championships in January. Has continued to impress of late in Palestine’s tune up friendlies, featuring heavily in his side's recent Bangabandhu Cup success.

The Sandal for Goalposts Asian Cup 2015 Preview

The Asian Cup in Australia is now only weeks away and over at Sandals for Goalposts we're planning on keeping you up to date with every bit of action down under.

A big thank you for the efforts of Amro Alkado and Tom Daníček, for helping to put together a downloadable preview for the tournament. At present with only a few squads being announced before Christmas, we’ve gone for broadly probable squads but aim to update them in the new year once finalised.

THE SANDALS FOR GOALPOSTS ASIAN CUP PREVIEW 2015 – CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

Keep an eye out on the Sandals for Goalposts website and on their twitter page as we endeavour to increase your enjoyment of this great continental tournament.

@Sandal4Goalpost

sandalsforgoalposts.com

AFC International Week Focus (November)

For many, November’s international window hosted their final preparation matches before January’s Asian Cup in Australia. With no official break scheduled for December, the established nations of Asian football will only return at the turn of the year for their pre-tournament training camps, while other nations (mainly West Asian sides) have organised unofficial preparation outside the FIFA calendar for the end of the year. This month also saw the participation of the final regional tournaments of the year with West Asia’s Gulf Cup and the EAFF East Asian Cup qualifiers taking place.

 

Good Week

 

The period’s biggest winners were undoubtedly Japan, with the Samurai Blue recording back to back home victories ahead of their Asian Cup crown pursuit. Javier Aguirre reverted back to much of the World Cup squad that had failed under Zaccheroni, and they repaid the faith, starting with an impressive 6-0 victory over Honduras before comfortably beating Asian Cup host’s Australia 2-1. Returning veterans Yasuhito Endo and Yasuyuki Konno claimed goals to push forward their squad contention hopes, while diminutive winger Takashi Inui grabbed a brace against the Central Americans.

 

Iran took to the international stage for the first time officially since the World Cup and impressed with a solid 1-0 home victory over Korea Republic. A late Sardar Azmoun goal sank the Korean’s after a bad tempered affair in Tehran. Carlos Queiroz, who signed a contract extension last month tinkered with the shape of the side and promised a more attacking outlook when they travel to Australia. The approach is likely to take time to embed but the introduction of Alireza Jahanbakhsh from the start and Rubin Kazan’s Azmoun off the bench points in the right direction.

 

Seven West Asian qualified nations kicked off their Gulf Cup campaigns this week, and prior to the competition were broadly successful in their preparation matches. Hosts Saudi Arabia overcame Palestine 2-0, while fellow Group A nations Qatar and Bahrain eased past Korea DPR and Singapore in their respective friendlies. Reigning Gulf Cup champions UAE also went into the tournament on a high with a narrow 3-2 win over Lebanon while Oman beat Yemen 2-0 in Muscat.

 

Average Week

 

Only in his second month in charge, Uli Stielike took his Korea Republic side to West Asia to face Jordan and Iran. Despite a narrow victory over the Jordanians, Korea went down 1-0 to a late winner in Iran. Complaints over the officiating of the match and the winning goal in particular riled the German coach after the match. Stielike suggested that Iran’s over-physical tactics weren’t punished sufficiently over the 90 minutes but reflected that the trip had been an overall success despite the defeat with a number of returning internationals such as Kwak Tae-Hwi and Yoon Sun-Young bringing themselves back into January’s squad contention.

 

After a couple of promising months China PR were frustrated in November picking up two home draws over the week. Letting slip a late equaliser to New Zealand after Wu Lei put them in front was disappointing after the Chinese equipped themselves well, while the second encounter against Honduras was a stiffer contest against a side on the bounce back of a hammering to Japan, the game eventually ended in a stalemate. It was similarly bitter sweet for Palestine, who despite defeat to Saudi Arabia recovered to ease past Vietnam 3-1 courtesy of a debut goal for centre forward Mahmoud Eid.  Both sides have time to finely tune their squads, and will face each other in mid-December to further cement their Asian Cup starting line-ups.

 

Elsewhere, Kuwait’s preparation for their Gulf Cup campaign ended in anti-climax after being held to a 1-1 draw with Yemen. A result that previously would have been considered a disappointment, has looked better in hindsight after both sides started promisingly in Saudi Arabia. Similar fortunes for Korea DPR who were defeated by Qatar 3-1, before going on to record two victories and a draw as they ensured qualification for next year’s EAFF East Asian Cup.

 

Bad Week

 

Asian Cup hosts Australia continue to struggle to pick up results in the run up to the competition after they lost for the 8th time in 11 matches against rivals for the crown Japan in Osaka. Manager Ange Postecoglou ringed the changes after a disappointing camp in West Asia last month but were again thankful of their usual talisman Tim Cahill rescuing some pride from the bench in the 2-1 reverse. A handful of areas remain a concern, but what Postecoglou’s side needs is confidence, something the Socceroos will have to develop on the training pitch ahead of January.

 

Similar struggles are being felt by Jordan at the moment, who have failed register a win since qualification for the Asian Cup, some 7 months ago. Little tangible change has been felt since Ray Wilkins took the helm last month, and with back-to-back defeats to Korea Republic and Estonia, Jordan can expect another drop in the FIFA’s world rankings. They do however have time to improve ahead of the Asian Cup with friendlies scheduled in December and early January, as will Uzbekistan and Iraq who sat out this month’s friendly window, the latter have subsequently begun slowly in their Gulf Cup campaign.

AFC International Week Focus (October)

We’re now a month closer to the Asian Cup in Australia, with qualified nations gearing up their preparation over October’s international break. Further to their upcoming continental commitments in January, many West Asian sides are set to finely tune their squads ahead of the Gulf Cup taking place in Saudi Arabia next month. Here’s a run-down of all 16 AC qualified nations and whether they’ve succeeded in this international window or are in need of greater improvement over the coming months.

 

Good Week

 

Qatar are gearing up impressively ahead of both the Gulf Cup and Asian Cup after three back-to -back victories this week. The achievement was even more impressive considering their opponents, either side of a comfortable 5-0 victory over Lebanon, Qatar eased past Asian Cup dark horses Uzbekistan before concluding the week with a narrow victory over January’s hosts Australia. Three goals from Meshaal Abdulla capped a brilliant week for the Qataris who have great hopes of going far in both tournaments in the coming months.

 

China PR also continued an impressive up-turn in form, as they made it four games unbeaten with a 3-0 win over Thailand and a 2-1 victory over Paraguay. Widely disregarded as also-rans, the latter result has firmly put China back on the minds of many pundits ahead of Australia. The credentials of Palestine are also improving month-by-month after they themselves collected two wins from two this week. Victories away in India and Pakistan went some way to allay fears of destabilisation after long-term manager Jamal Mahmoud resigned last month.

 

Others who had impressive weeks were Kuwait and Iran. The former overcame their 55 position ranking deficit to come away from a double header in Jordan unbeaten. Seemingly off the pace previously, Kuwait now look an appealing prospect in the Gulf Cup next month. Iran themselves, have been all over the place as usual from an organisational point of view. Two wins from two inspired by striker Sardar Azmoun on an unofficial tour of Portugal will go some way to calm the nerves of their supporters, but a stiffer test against Korea Republic next month should push them further.

 

Average Week

 

The two big guns in East Asia; Japan and Korea Republic are going through flux at present after both changed their coaches since their World Cup exits in the summer. Both recorded a win and a loss over the week which leaves them both with room to improve. Javier Aguirre continued to tinker with his Japanese squad, and despite a solid 1-0 win over Jamaica, they were thoroughly hammered by a Neymar inspired Brazil side in Singapore. Korea on the other hand picked up their first win of Uli Stielike’s tenor against Paraguay before limply falling to Costa Rica.

After a comprehensively impressive September, Uzbekistan struggled in October with back-to-back blanks away from home, losing 3-0 to Qatar, before a goalless draw with Bahrain. A return to form with a 4-0 away win over UAE suggests they merit their Asian Cup dark horse tag, but there’s still some work to be done. As there is with Gulf Cup hosts’ Saudi Arabia who clinched two home draws during the window. An eye-catching 1-1 draw with Uruguay wasn’t followed up sufficiently with a disappointing draw with Lebanon by the same score line.

 

Another two to feel slightly deflated are Bahrain and Iraq, after they shared the spoils with a goalless draw in Ar Rifa to finish the week. Bahrain’s solidity hasn’t been in question, but scoring goals continues to be a problem. A 0-0 draw against Uzbekistan in Dubai was a good result, but draws can only go so far when the Gulf Cup kicks off. Iraq, had promised to threaten at both tournaments but have gone off the boil of late. A 1-1 draw with Yemen that preluded the Bahrain draw won’t have gone down too well back at home.

 

Bad Week

 

Ange Postecoglou celebrated 10 matches in charge of Australia this window, but failed to clinch another victory to his portfolio over the week. A solid but far from spectacular 0-0 draw away in UAE was followed up with a 1-0 defeat to Qatar. While their squad and general play up until and during the World Cup impressed many, Postecoglou can’t get away from a miserable record of winning only two of his first 10 matches in charge.

 

Despite their draw with the Socceroos, UAE finished their week miserably with a home hammering by Uzbekistan. Up until then, the Emirati’s had drawn their last four, with goal scoring becoming a real headache for them ahead of the Gulf Cup. No such problem for Oman who scored 3 against World Cup overachievers Costa Rica. However, going down 4-3 in the end to the Central Americans, plus a 3-0 home defeat to Uruguay isn’t great news for their leaky defence.

 

From one struggling side to another as Ray Wilkins’ term as manager of the Jordan national side started poorly. In back-to-back home matches against Kuwait, Jordan were regularly second best and ended up picking up only one draw. Despite their high FIFA rank, Jordan have been in disarray of late after numerous managerial changes, something Wilkins will hope to change next month as they take on Korea Republic.

 

The other Korean nation travelling to Australia in January, Korea DPR continued not to play any official public friendlies this international break, an inactive period that now stretches back 8 months. This will come to an end in November, after organising four friendly matches against Qatar, Hong Kong, Guam and Chinese Taipei.

Palestine win the final AFC Challenge Cup

Palestine were crowned the fifth and final AFC Challenge Cup champions last week, as they set their sights on their first major tournament appearance at the Asian Cup in Australia next year.

The final itself was a tantalising battle that many saw as a clash of styles. Palestine who hadn't conceded all tournament mainly due to the rigid defensive partnership of Abdelatif Bahdari and Omar Jarun who were colossal for much of the tournament (until they were separated for the final) against a more adventurous attacking side in the Philippines who had flair in midfield from Stephan Schrock and on the wing in Patrick Reichelt while Phil Younghusband in attack was continuing on from his golden boot performance two years previous. The game itself was dominated by Palestine, who created five or six good chances through the great link up play of Ashraf Nu'man Al Fawaghra and Abdelhamid Abuhabib only to be denied by another great display by Philippino keeper Roland Muller. The pressure finally paid off in the second period, Nu'man taking his tally to four for the tournament with a wonderful curling free kick to send their fans into raptures. A decent showing by Philippines followed but it was Palestine's defence again that came to the rescue and secured the crown's destination was to the West Asian country.

Palestine's progression has been impressive, often inventive but always solid. They ended the tournament without conceding a single goal and collecting all the final tournament player awards. They started the tournament comfortably, easing through the group stage at half pace, Abuhabib scoring in each of their victories over Kygrzstan and Myanmar. Eventual golden boot winner Nu'man picked up his first with a mazy solo run and finish to put to bed the Burmese. After a goalless draw with hosts Maldives, Palestine cruised to another comfortable win over Afghanistan in the semis, Nu'man the star once again collecting a brace to set up the final against Philippines which ended in glory for Jamal Mahmoud's men.

Philippines were less than solid from the start but explosive in attack, and were some observers’ favourites for the crown. It started slow with a tense 0-0 draw with Afghanistan before easing to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Laos thanks to goals from Rota and Reichelt. An end to end thriller against Turkmenistan which saw keeper Muller pull off his first of two penalty saves in the tournament was eventually put to bed when Younghusband and a spectacular volley from Reichelt ensured their progression as group winners. Their semi-final against Maldives was arguably the game of the tournament, the Azkals twice went in front only to be pegged back. Younghusband opening the scoring after shrugging off some bullish defending before Lucena put them 2-1 up at the end of the first half. Muller stopped his second penalty kick of the tournament in the second period but couldn't save a late equaliser from Maldives. Chris Greatwich's winner in extra time ensured the Philippines slipped through to the final encounter against Palestine.

Thursday's small final saw Maldives and Afghanistan contest for third spot. A dull affair finally came to life late on in extra time as Fasir superbly volleyed home an equaliser for Maldives to cancel out Karimi's opener with only 5 minutes remaining. The shoot-out saw Maldives secure third position after heroics in goal by Imran who had previously stepped up to slot home his penalty kick.

The hosts Maldives who attracted more than 10 times the support of the other nations' matches were the clear neutrals’ favourite from the beginning of the tournament for all their colour in the stadium, adventurous attacking play and reckless defending. In their exciting opener they were caught cold against a quick off the mark Myanmar side and despite goals from Umair and one from their player of the tournament Ali Ashfaq, they couldn't climb back to secure a point. For the remaining group stage matches they firmed up their defensive line and started to reward their home support. Ashfaq was again on target, this time with a brace as he commanded a brilliant 2-0 win over Kygrzstan before digging their heels in for a last day stalemate to ensure progression against Palestine. The epic semi-final against Philippines will live long in the memory and thanks to another special display from Ashfaq and a wonderful lob by Umair for his second of the tournament, the Maldives were to be sadly missed in the final.

Afghanistan's route through the tournament was solid if not spectacular. Two 0-0 draws that ensured progression sandwiched their only victory at the tournament against Turkmenistan. It essentially showed the steel needed against the top seeds in the group who many would have suspected to come out on top of the encounter. A towering header from Amri got them off to a great start before goals from Hatifi and Shayesteh ensured the victory. Their semi-final against Palestine was a step too far staying relatively strong at the back but offering little in the final third. Afghanistan held a strange record of only scoring in 1 of their 5 matches in normal time, yet they clinched 4th spot.

Coming into the tournament many would have tipped Turkmenistan to make their way to their third straight Challenge Cup final but after a promising start they failed to live up to their seeding spot. A 5-1 battering in all sense of the word got them off to the greatest of starts against Laos, but indiscipline in the ranks in their final two group matches against Afghanistan and Philippines condemned their fate. Two second half red cards, notably one for keeper Nikita once all three substitutes had been made, clearly cost them any positive result against the Afghans, while they were unlucky against Philippines having a penalty saved when the match was finely poised, a needless third red card of the tournament left a bitter taste in the mouth.

Kyrgyzstan were another minor disappointment who failed to really get going in the group stage. Conceding late against Palestine shook them hard in a game they should have held onto a point, while Maldives blew past them in their second match. One bright star through the mist was 21 year old Valerii Kichin who performed heroically in defence and midfield, where he looks a real find for a country to build their future around. The final match saw that they wouldn't leave empty handed though with a narrow victory over Myanmar, but overall it was a tournament to forget for the men in Red and Gold. 

The two lowest seeds in the draw lived up to their billing but both started their campaigns with a glimmer of hope. Myanmar outplayed Maldives for much of their opener with diminutive striker Kyaw Ko Ko stealing the lime light with an impressive performance in the 3-2 win. After that their defensive fragilities were highlighted with abject performances against Palestine and Kyrgyzstan. Laos' high point was even briefer but for one man in particular it will live long in the memory. Khampheng Sayavutthi's sensational bicycle kick was fitting of any stage and led Turkmenistan for a whole 10 minutes before being steamrolled by a much more physically strong outfit. A final day stalemate against Afghanistan was a notable point but couldn't hide their blemishes and the work that still needs to be done.