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Gaza City, Gaza Strip Ahmed al-Bozm knows exactly which team he will support in the World Cup final.
“I am completely behind Spain because they represented Palestine,” the 33-year-old Palestinian said earlier. La Roja’s match against Argentina during the week.
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It is the opinion of many people in the Gaza Strip, slightly driven and the Spanish government responsibilities on Israel’s desert war against the Palestinians and the contribution of the Spanish people, including Barcelona star Lamine Yamal.
“We love you from Palestine,” said al-Bozm, sending a message to Yamal, who in May. shaking the Palestinian flag on the Barcelona bus after winning La Liga.
“We support you wholeheartedly, and we hope that you will raise the World Cup trophy and also raise the Palestinian flag,” he said.
As the world hopes to reach the final, joy is spreading in Gaza, although following the race has become more difficult after more than two years of Israeli aggression.
“People can watch matches if there is electricity, but the generators shut down because fuel is scarce and very expensive,” said Adnan al-Afifi, a former soccer player and stadium manager. “Ordinary Palestinians are paying the price.”
In order to revive the sport that has been lost during the war, Afifi has been organizing World Cup exhibition games at the Palestine Sports Club in Gaza City, the only football club still in operation and accessible to players in the Strip.
On Thursday and Saturday, the team played two World Cup comparison matches between the teams representing Palestine and Spain.
The event featured referees and a virtual assistant video assistant (VAR) system to give players a taste of the international game.
“The atmosphere was full of passion and joy, and it was our biggest show of support for the Spanish national team,” al-Afifi, 37, said.
‘These hands mean a lot’
In May 2024, the Spanish government recognized the Palestinian Authority.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the move is aimed at helping to resolve the conflict between Israel and Palestine and to help resolve the conflict in Gaza where he also called for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid.
Several players and coaches of the Spanish national team have also expressed solidarity with the people of Gaza, including Yamal and the former Manchester City coach. Pep Guardiola – an exercise that has come to be compared to football for Palestine.
“All Palestinians hope that Spain will win the World Cup,” said Hatem al-Maghribi, head coach of Gaza’s Gaza al-Irada team, or Gaza Determination.
“These players lost their legs and arms, but they did not lose their words of gratitude, love and gratitude to those who stood with Palestine,” added al-Maghribi while also thanking the Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan for that. in helping the Palestinian people at the World Cup.
“That means a lot to us,” al-Afifi admitted.
They make us feel that someone sees what we are going through.
The former player said football in Gaza is slowly showing signs of recovery despite the destruction of the war but obstacles remain.
“All the main squares in Gaza are not working because of displacement and security,” Afifi said.
He recalled playing in Gaza’s main stadiums over the past 25 years, from Rafah in the south to Beit Hanoon in the north, lamenting how many of them have been destroyed or turned into shelters for displaced families.
Currently, football in Gaza is limited to five fields per side, while the Palestinian Football Association organizes small local games to allow players to connect with the game.
Despite the war, destruction and deep human suffering, football has remained an important part of daily life in Gaza during the World Cup, providing a rare opportunity to escape the reality of war, even if only for 90 minutes.
“Everyone wants to watch the big games, especially the finals,” al-Afifi said, adding that he hopes local organizations and community efforts will prepare for Sunday’s games in Gaza.
“Spain stood with the Palestinian cause and made it known to the world. We hope that they will be rewarded by winning the World Cup,” Afifi added.
Although his heart is beating in Spain, al-Afifi stressed that this should not be interpreted as hostility to Argentina despite the words of support for Israel by Argentine President Javier Milei and comments that have criticized the Palestinians.
“We respect every national team, regardless of where they come from,” al-Afifi said. “Argentina is the best country in terms of football and football school and talent. Supporting Spain does not mean that we are enemies of the Argentine team. We wish them the best.”
For its part, al-Maghribi is hoping for a strong finish.
“Argentina can have a better chance because of Lionel Messi,” he said, referring to the captain of the world’s reigning champions.
But al-Bozm was convinced of Spain’s advantage.
“I expect Spain to win 3-1 after extra time,” he said. “I think it will finish 1-1 in full time before Spain lose twice in extra time.”
