Syria and Palestine achieve something historic: for the first time in the knockout phase of the Asian Cup

Wins in the last group game

This article first appeared on Transfermarkt at 5:36 p.m. and was updated after the late games.

Syria and Palestine achieved something historic at the Asian Cup in Qatar. For the first time in their history, the war-torn countries are in the knockout phase of the continental tournament. With a 3-0 (1-0) win against Hong Kong – their first ever win at an Asian Championship – the Palestinian selection secured their place in the round of 16 as one of the four best third-place teams in the group. Thanks to the 1-0 (0-0) win against India on Tuesday with a goal from substitute Omar Khribin in the 76th minute, Syria took third place in Group B and thus also progressed.

Khribin’s strike at Al Bayt Stadium was Syria’s only goal in three group games, but it was enough to send them into the round of 16 behind group winners Australia and Uzbekistan. In its six previous attempts, Syria had never progressed beyond the first round.

The Palestinian national team is on a highly emotional mission to Qatar during the Gaza War. They want to give the people back home a joy – “even if it’s just a very simple one,” goalkeeper Rami Hamada said before the start of the tournament.

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