The Faisal Husseini Stadium is packed on this dreary day as Palestine host Thailand in this first ever competitive match on home soil.
10′ Lots of energy from our side reaching the Thailand box a few times, Thailand have come close as well but nothing too dangerous.
11′ Hisham Ali shoots just wide of the goal! This right after a dangerous Palestine free kick..
12′ The Thai keeper forced to intercept a Palestine cross into the box. Our players are really feeding off the energy in the stadium
19′ Defender Mahmoud El Koury skillfully strips Thai player of ball in the box. This match is fast paced! Palestine have been dangerous with set pieces so far…
21′ Palestine counter attack! Thaer Kara’in tries his luck with a long shot, saved by the keeper
24′ Palestine’s closest attempt yet, Khalid Salim receiving a long ball from the defence and was looking to score, crowded by Thai defenders he moved the ball to Ali Khatib who missed an almost open net.
27′ Tawfik Ali is playing a solid game in net, calmly eliminating any threats
37′ Thailand counter-attacks are a source of worry at the moment
45′ GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL Palestine!!!! Beautiful volley from outside the box by Abdelhamid Abu Habib
A perfect way to end the half! HALFTIME
Thoughts: Palestine have controlled the half, likely due to Thailands conservatism in play. We came close to scoring more than once and there is room for more goals. Markaz Tulkarems Khalid Salim has proved instrumental in numerous attacks though he needs more support. Defense has been solid when needed but a few Thai counter attacks provided a scare. Dont expect Thailand to hold back in the second half, they might push forward more. In turn we should play on the momentum and rely on our twelfth man.
Second half kicks off….here we go!
We fare quite well in our winter weather, especially playing teams from more tropical climates. Look back to 2006 vs Singapore…
52′ Khalid Salim drives a long pass to Hisham Ali from out wide only for him to be a few steps behind!
55′ Offside call on Thailand…looks questionable.
58′ Confusion ensues in the box after a Thai corner…Thailand coming close, ball cleared out.
60′ Free kick for Palestine from a dangerous position – played too wide.
Ive lost the stream on my end…keeping updated through kooora. Will keep you posted
Heres the replay of the first goal…
Ali Khatib shoots over the crossbar…hes being lamented by kooora members for selfishness.
Second Half Ends – We move into extra time
Radio Ajyal – live commentary (Arabic) – Penalty Shootout at the moment!
Live Penalties
Palestine OOOOOXX
Thailand OOOOOXO
Game over – Congrats Thailand…hardluck Palestine.
