This is a different form of Palestinian struggle. Rather than taking up arms, a group of Palestinian footballers are representing their country on the pitch.

In 1994 the Palestinian national football team was accredited into Fifa, football’s international governing body. This gave Palestine an opportunity to not only compete in the World Cup but also to do so as a sovereign nation.

While their people struggle to be recognized politically, economically, legally and diplomatically, there is a very good chance that the Palestinian national soccer team could be one of the 32 represented countries at the World Cup in Germany 2006.

Dima Hamdan travelled with the team earlier this year as they played qualifying matches for the World Cup. The footballers talk about their experience and how they translate the Palestinian dream of independence on the football pitch.


Palestine's football pride


Futbol Palestina
Palestinian Football Association

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