SNTV Features

Brazilian football star Ronaldo received a hero's welcome in the Palestinian city of Ramallah, with hundreds of well wishers jostling to get a glimpse of the Real Madrid footballer during a visit on Monday. (16th May 2005)

Ronaldo, a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Program was on a one day visit to the region which also included a trip to Israel.

He was there to participate in a UNDP project that brings young Israeli and Palestinian football players together.

SUGGESTED VOICE OVER:

Hundreds of Palestinians gathered in the West Bank city of Ramallah on Monday (16th May 2005) to greet Ronaldo, the Brazilian football star.

Visiting in his capacity as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Real Madrid player wanted to take a first-hand look at UNDP youth and anti-poverty projects .

Fans - including a busload of Brazilian-born Palestinians wearing the country's yellow-and-green jersey - chanted "Ronaldo, Ronaldo" and pushed the player's bodyguards in an attempt to touch their hero.

Surrounded by a tight ring of bodyguards to get through the chanting crowds, Ronaldo first visited the office of Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia where he signed footballs.

The beaming Qureia escorted Ronaldo out of the building before he continued on to a local school, where the superstar received yet another boisterous welcome.

SOUNDBITE: (Portuguese)

"I only wanted to say how happy I am to be making this visit and how proud I am to see everybody so happy around me. I hope you'll enjoy my presence very much. I thank you for this marvellous reception and I hope to return many more times, always on a mission of peace."

SUPERCAPTION: Ronaldo

During his visit to Ramallah, Ronaldo inaugurated a new Centre for Disadvantaged Youth and visited several anti-poverty UNDP projects.

They include the UNDP's "Football Workshops", which have been designed to promote sport as a forum to teach leadership, confidence, and discipline, based on the principles of tolerance, cooperation, and respect.

Later on, Ronaldo visited Israel as a special guest of the Peres Centre for peace.

Ronaldo and Israeli Vice Premier Shimon Peres met at the "Twinned Peace Football Schools", which are a part of a Palestinian-Israeli project to bring children closer together through sport.

SOUNDBITE: (Portuguese)

"It's a real pleasure to be here and it's a real pleasure for me to see how many people are happy about my presence. I know that football can bring people together and try and bring about peace and put an end to their problems"

SUPERCAPTION: Ronaldo

Ronaldo was there to meet some 800 young Palestinian and Israeli participants of the project who will play in mixed teams in a tournament held in his honour.

SHOTLIST: Ramallah - Palestine - 16th May 2005

Betuniya checkpoint, near Ramallah, West Bank

1. 00:00 - UN trucks accompany Ronaldo through checkpoint

2. 00:20 - Ronaldo stepping out of car, crowds cheering and chanting his name

Ramallah, West Bank

3. 00:45 - Ronaldo arriving, surrounded by fans and crowds

4. 00:49 - Ronaldo makes his way through the door

5. 01:05 - Meeting Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia

6. 01:12 - Ronaldo signing ball with a placard in yellow with his number "9" on it

7. 01:15 - Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia

8. 01:24 - Ronaldo waves as he leaves

9. 01:35 - Supporters in Brazil shirts cheering in car as they drive past

10. 01:42 - Inside sports centre at Al-Hashimiya school

11. 01:47 - Child holding up Brazil football shirt

12. 01:53 - Ronaldo arrives, and waves

13. 01:58 - Crowd of young fans cheering him as he walks in

14. 02:08 - SOUNDBITE: Ronaldo (Portuguese)

15. 02:43 - Ronaldo leaves surrounded by crowds pushing and shoving to get closer to him

16. 02:51 - Ronaldo, at a new centre named in his honour, posing for photo wearing a Keffiyeh (traditional Palestinian headscarf) with someone holding Palestinian flag behind him

17. 03:00 - His car leaves, surrounded by supporters

Herzliya, Central Israel 16/06

18. 03:15 - Wideshot of fans waiting for Ronaldo

19. 03:20 - Close up of Israeli Vice Premier Shimon Peres arriving

20. 03:25 - Ronaldo and Shimon Peres walking together

21. 03:36 - Crowds around Ronaldo

22. 03:40 - Shimon Peres

23. 04:46 - Ronaldo and kids in group photo

24. 04:10 - Shimon Peres and Ronaldo together

25. 04:23 - SOUNDBITE: Ronaldo (portuguese)

26. 05:02 - Ronaldo walking among the crowds of fans

Palestinian Football Federation threatens to urge next month's FIFA Congress in Brazil to take sanctions against Israel in protest against alleged recent attacks by soldiers on Palestinian sportsmen in the occupied territories.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Jibril Rajoub, president of the Palestinian Football Federation (PFF), threatened to call for sanctions against Israel in protest against alleged recent attacks by Israeli soldiers against Palestinian sportsmen.

Rajoub, who is also head of the Palestine Olympic Committee, referred to the recent arrest of a Palestine footballer and the shooting of two other players who were reportedly shot in the legs by Israel soldiers.

Jawhar Nasser Jawhar, 19, and Adam Abd al-Raouf Halabiya, 17, were allegedly shot at al-Zaayyem checkpoint near Abu Dis in Jerusalem as they walked home from their sports club.

Doctors have since confirmed the pair is unlikely to be able to play sports again due to the severity of their injuries.

On returning from Jordan where they received treatment they were arrested.

Last month a player of Palestine national soccer team, Sameh Moraebe, 22, was arrested by Israeli military forces en route to Qatar.

Coach Jamal Mahmoud has denounced the arrest of the players.

PFF is threatening to take its grievances to the FIFA Congress in Sao Paulo on June 10th-11th that will be held just before the start of the World Cup in Brazil.

The Palestinians have long accused Israel of restricting sport people's mobility inside the West Bank and between the West Bank and Gaza, preventing players from participating in international tournaments and banning the entry of sports equipment that Palestinian teams and stadiums need.

Israel justifies these measures on security grounds.

Rajoub had previously raised the issue of travel for Palestinian athletes at the FIFA congress in Mauritius in June last year. There, he said that, should the matter not be resolved, he would call on delegates to expel Israel at the next congress

The 150th-ranked Palestine football team's next important international match, when it needs players to travel freely, is at the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup, to be held in the Maldives over May 19-30.

The winner of the eight-nation tournament advances to the 2015 Asian Cup in Australia.

West Bank, Palestine. 13 May, 2014.

1. 00:00 Various of the Palestinian FA head quarter

2. 00:12 SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Jibril Rajoub, President Of Palestinian Football Federation (PFF):

" Without a doubt its a provocative act. the shooting and arrest of the players after coming back from a treatment defies the whole world. Israel will pay the price next month's at the FIFA congress".

3. 00:27 Mid of Adam Halabiya in hospital

4. 00:31 Close-up of heart rate monitor

5. 00:35 Close-up of Adam Halabiya

6. 00:39 Close-up of Adam Halabiya hand

7. 00:43 Mid of Jawhar Halabiya

8. 00:47 Close-up of Jawhar Halabiya

9. 00:51 Close-up of Jawhar Halabiya hands

10. 00:55 Mid of Adam Halabiya in hospital

11. 00:59 Close-up of Nasser Jawhar Halabiya

12. 01:03 Mid of Jerusalem

13. 01:07 SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Nasser Jawhar Halabiya, Father of Jawhar Halabiya

" Their return was a setback for us, their arrest is setback for us and the country. Everyone were waiting for them to come back safe".

14. 01:18 Various of the palestinian team training

15. 01:30 Close- up of Palestinian coach Jamal Mahmoud talking to the players

16. 01:33 SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Jamal Mahmoud, Palestine Coach

" I hope they were with us, because that would be an extra for us, but the occupation always put obstacles for the Palestinian sport".

17. 01:46 Various of the palestinian team training

18. 01:57 Various GV of the West Bank

World Cup trophy put on display in Ramallah.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

The FIFA World Cup arrived on Sunday (10th November) to the West Bank city of Ramallah.

The golden trophy is going on a tour around the world and is scheduled to visit 90 countries during its 267-day duration.

The cup has already been on display in the Caribbean before reaching the Middle East for the first time.

Ramallah, Palestine - 10th November 2013

1. 00:00 Wide shot of Palestinian Football Association president Jibril Rajoub and other officials uncovering the World Cup

2. 00:10 Mid shot of same

3. 00:16 Various of trophy

4. 00:25 SOUNDBITE (English) Palestinian Football Association president Jibril Rajoub:

"It is an eminence honour and joy for the Palestinian people and for the Palestinian football family to have the World Cup here in Palestine. I think it is a clear cut message to the international community by FIFA that Palestinian sport entity is existing and deserve support and protection from the Israeli occupation."

5. 00:53 Rajoub with officials taking picture near cup

Palestine look to make history in Asian Cup meeting with Jordan.

Palestine head coach Ahmed Al Hassan criticised his Jordan counterpart Ray Wilkins on Thursday (15th January) ahead of their crucial Asian Cup Group D fixture in Melbourne.

Palestine took offence to Wilkins describing Jordan's opening match with Iraq as most likely determining which team will advance from the group along likely leaders Japan.

Jordan went on to lost the match 1-0 - something Al-Hassan pointed out on Thursday before adding that his team is ready to do its talking on the pitch when they meet on Friday (16th January).

Al-Hassan also said that despite losing its opener with Japan 4-0, Palestine had completed their political task by appearing at the Asian Cup with the Palestinian flag displayed and the national anthem played before the match.

Now he says the team must complete its two sporting objectives - beating Jordan and Iraq and advancing to the knockout stage.

Palestine defender Abdallatif Al-Bahdari, who will be facing seven of his team-mates from Jordanian club Al-Wehdat, said he is looking forward to earning dressing room bragging rights with a victory.

SHOTLIST: Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia - 15th January, 2015.

1. 00:00 - Pan into Palestine training from goalpost

2. 00:09 - Melbourne Rectangular Stadium to Palestine training

3. 00:25 - Palestine players running on field

4. 00:36 - Palestine head coach Ahmed Al Hassan walking on pitch

5. 00:46 - SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Ahmed Al Hassan, Palestine head coach:

"All I can say is that our response will be in the match. I am a person who doesn't give much statements and do everything possible on the field, so our response will be tomorrow. Every person is responsible for his own statements. All I can say is that, we will see tomorrow."

6. 01:23 - Palestine goalkeepers stretching on the pitch

7. 01:31 - Palestine players stretching

8. 01:39 - Ahmed Al Hassan kicking a football

9. 01:48 - SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Ahmed Al Hassan, Palestine head coach (on Palestine achieving their political goals at the Asian Cup)

"From a sports perspective it also has two points. The first point is to play a match against Jordan that is up to the challenge and to win this match and to achieve a victory for Palestine. And the other goal is if Allah wanted and we win the match against Jordan tomorrow, that we are going to play Iraq with high motivation on the intention and determination of another victory to make it to the next round.

10. 02:40 Palestine defender Abdallatif Al-Bahdari running with team

11. 02:57 SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Abdallatif Albahdari, Palestine defender (on facing seven of his club team-mates in the Jordan team):

"Tomorrow I am going to play against seven of my team players and I will do my best to perform in a way that we will make a victory and I will defeat my seven other friends in the same club in Jordan."

12. 03:30 Palestine team huddled.

Palestine trained in Sydney on Wednesday (7th January) ahead of their first ever Asian Cup finals match. Ahmed El-Hassan's side will make their major tournament debut against reigning Asian Champions Japan in Newcastle on Monday (12th January).

Winners of last year's AFC Challenge Cup, Palestine will be appearing at their first ever Asian Cup in Australia this month and their opening match could hardly pose more of a challenge for Ahmed El-Hassan and his squad.

Palestine will face Japan, the reigning continental champions and four time Asian Cup winners in their first ever major finals match when the two square off in the Group D fixture in Newcastle on Monday.

The Palestinian squad held a training session at the Sydney Olympic Park on Wednesday where they were welcomed by a number of supporters from the local area.

One fan had even made up a custom shirt - half Australian and half Palestinian.

Nicknamed the Knights, Palestine have often struggled to field full strength sides in international fixtures due to restrictions on the movements of their players imposed by Israel.

Indeed, following the 2014 conflict last year Palestine was only able to name 14 players in their official squad - instead of the usual 23 - for Peace Cup games in the Philippines last September.

Six players were unable to leave Gaza while others were denied access to the West Bank in order to attend the pre-tournament training camp.

Nevertheless, Palestine arrive in Australia full of optimism ahead of their debut in a major tournament.

Led by their captain, goalkeeper Ramzi Saleh, and their star striker Ashraf Alfawaghra, whose goals proved decisive in last year's Challenge Cup victory, underdogs Palestine will be hoping to shock their group rivals.

After Japan on Monday they will take on Jordan in Melbourne before playing the 2007 Asian Cup winners Iraq in Canberra.

Wilson Park, Sydney Olympic Park, New South Wales, Australia. 7th January, 2015.

1. 00:00 Wide of Palestine training

2. 00:07 Players practice passing the ball

3. 00:17 Close of striker Ashraf Alfawaghra

4. 00:28 SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Ashraf Alfawaghra, Palestine striker (on representing his country at the Asian Cup):

"Palestine for us all is a matter of pride and honour for every Palestinian with a Palestinian nationality , we are here to represent Palestine regardless of the results in matches especially against Japan, Iraq and Jordan. We have been talked about a lot in recent years especially that we won the best team in Asia award, this sent out a message to the World, the Arab world the European world that Palestine is on the map , Palestine has to have a state and has to have stability and freedom and in this championship we hope that the world looks at us politically or sportingly , look at the Palestinian people and the Palestinian sports."

5. 01:32 Alfawaghra at training

6. 01:42 Alexis Norabuena controls a ball

7. 01:51 Palestine captain Ramzi Saleh makes a save in goal 8. 01:57 Palestine coach Ahmed El-Hassan

9. 02:05 SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Ahmed El-Hassan, Palestine coach (on Palestine's Asian Cup debut):

"This event is one of the best Asian and world events and we are in it for two reasons, first for a sporting goal and for a political goal. The sporting goal is to send out a message that Palestinians can practice sports like any other people on the planet and from the political angle is that we are the only team here among the sixteen teams that is still under occupation, this a strong message to the world that it's time our people get the freedom to practice sports like any other people on earth."

10. 02:41 Wide of players during training drill

11. 02:50 Pan of local Palestinian supporters watching the squad train

12. 02:58 Tilt up of fan wearing half Palestine, half Australia football shirt

13. 03:03 Ahmed Wridat during a drill

14. 03:11 Coach El-Hassan looks on

15. 03:17 SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Ahmed El-Hassan, Palestine coach (on Palestine's opening game versus Japan):

"I am aware of the ability of the Japanese players but in the same time I have faith in the ability of our players, we know that there are differences in terms of level between the two sides, their individualities between the Japanese teams and the Palestinian team, but I say the Palestinian team will play with a determined way and organised way and we will play in an honourable way."

16. 03:44 El-Hassan at training

17. 03:49 Squad training

18. 04:01 Wide of children playing football during training session

19. 04:12 Closing shot of training

Palestine midfielder Musab Al Battat talked on Wednesday about the difficulties Palestinian football players face due to restrictions on movement imposed on Palestinian people by the Israeli occupation, when he spoke ahead of their 2019 Asian Cup campaign in Doha.

"It's very difficult to bring everyone to the same place to train together in the Palestinian Territories. We only gather at training camps, outside historical Palestine. Sometimes in Qatar or the United Arab Emirates, and other countries as well," said Al Battat.

"The Israeli Occupation prevents them (footballers) from joining the Palestinian national team. It is the right of any footballer to play for their national team," he added.  

Palestine are in Group B of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, along with Australia, the reigning champions, Syria and Jordan.

Doha, Qatar. 26th December 2018.

1. 00:00 Palestine training session

2. 00:11 Palestine head coach Noureddine Ould Ali

3. 00:15 SOUNDBITE (Arabic): Musab Al Battat, Palestine midfielder:

(About the difficulties of training under Israeli occupation)

"The Palestinian national team is the only national team worldwide that has a real difficulty in setting up a training camp on home soil in the Palestinian Territories that includes players from the Gaza Strip, those from the West Bank and the diaspora, whether it's Chile or other countries. It's very difficult to bring everyone to the same place to train together in the Palestinian Territories. We only gather at training camps, outside historical Palestine. Sometimes in Qatar or the United Arab Emirates, and other countries as well. We train as a group only in these training camps. Thankfully, we managed to gather for over 20 days this time around in preparation for the competition (2019 Asian Cup). All players are present and we hope everyone is prepared for this competition and that everyone plays to their best abilities."

4. 01:08 Palestine training session

5. 01:26 SOUNDBITE (Arabic): Musab Al Battat, Palestine midfielder:

(About the difficulties of training under Israeli occupation)

"There are player that are unable to join us here, especially those who live in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Occupation prevents them from joining the Palestinian national team. It is the right of any footballer to play for their national team. For some it's almost impossible to leave the Gaza Strip. There are even players in the diaspora that have Palestinian roots but no one knows about them. This is because the Palestinian people are sadly dispersed all over, some in Gaza, some in the West Bank and other in the diaspora."

6. 02:06 Palestine training session

7. 02:13 SOUNDBITE (Arabic): Musab Al Battat, Palestine midfielder:

(About Palestine's participation in 2019 Asian Cup)

"Of course, this is not the first time Palestine take part in the Asian Cup. We hope to learn from this experience. We hope to start the competition in good spirits, and be ready to win in every match. We aim to win or draw in all matches. We hope to be successful and take as many points as possible to qualify to the second round."

8. 02:50 Palestine goalkeepers training

9. 02:54 Noureddine Ould Ali

10. 02:59 SOUNDBITE (Arabic): Musab Al Battat, Palestine midfielder:

(On Palestine's group - Group B)

"We are in one of the most difficult groups in the competition. Our group includes, Australia, the reigning champions, Syria and Jordan. It's a difficult group, but not an impossible one. We'll focus on every match and hope to be up to the task. We aim to qualify and please our supporters."

11. 03:42 Noureddine Ould Ali talking to his players

12. 03:45 Palestine training

13. 03:54 SOUNDBITE (Arabic): Musab Al Battat, Palestine midfielder:

(About the future goal of the Palestinian national team)

"Our peoples' happiness is very important for the Palestinian national team, wherever they may be. We want to unite our people behind us."

14. 04:10 Noureddine Ould Ali

Fans gathered at Newcastle Stadium on Monday (12th January) ahead of the Palestine's major tournament debut, a Group D clash against Japan at the Asian Cup.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Palestine has never played in the Asian Cup finals, they qualified for the tournament after success in the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup in the Maldives.

Palestine beat the Philippines in the AFC Challenge Cup final, but also registered wins over Afghanistan, Myanmar and Kyrgyzstan along the way to victory.

The team will make their Asian Cup debut against Japan at the Newcastle Stadium in Newcastle, Australia on Monday (12th January).

Their task doesn't come much harder, Japan are the defending champions and four-time winners of the competition.

Also in Group D are Iraq and Jordan.

Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia - 12th November 2015.

1. 00:00 Tilt down from Palestine flags to fans

2. 00:08 Fans before kick off

3. 00:17 A young Palestine fan

4. 00:26 A family of fans 5.

00:32 SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Abu Ahmed, Palestine fan:

"We support the Palestine team because this is first time for us to participate in this tournament. We wish success to our team and we hope to see them in a World Cup."

6. 00:56 Fan with half Australia, half Palestine shirt

7. 01:03 Another fan with a half and half shirt

8. 01:13 Japan fans meet Palestine fans

9. 01:25 Young Japan fans

10. 01:35 Japanese fans welcome their team

11. 01:41 Palestine fans

12. 01:49 Tilt up of Ziad Zekkour

13. 01:56 SOUNDBITE: (English) Ziad Zekkour, Palestine fan:

"I think it's a big thing because it's the first time for them to make it this far to anything. So it's putting them on the map of the soccer world - people will look more closely at what is going on there. Next time they don't qualify, they'll ask why not! So yeah, it's really good."

14. 02:17 Zekkour poses with Japan fans

15. 02:29 Tilt up of Palestine fan to flag

16. 02:37 SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Ferass Zekkour, Palestine fan:

"It's our duty as Palestinians to stop the occupation. This participation gives message to the world that we represent a state and we are among the big teams in Asia, which is very big thing to us. We don't care if we lose, we are happy for the participation itself."

17. 03:20 Fans before kick off

18. 03:26 Fans pose for photos

19. 03:32 Closing shot of Japanese and Palestinian fans

STORYLINE:

Palestine are relishing the tag of being 'underdogs' against defending champions Australia, as they trained and talked in Dubai on Thursday on the eve of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup Group B meeting.

The Palestinians head into their clash against Australia on Friday, knowing that Australia are regarded as the clear favourites.

However, Palestine had recorded their first-ever point at the AFC Asian Cup after a goalless draw against Syria last Sunday (6th January), while the 'Socceroos' had lost to Jordan 1-0 in their opening match.  

A win for Palestine at the Rashid Stadium in Dubai would virtually end the Socceroos' Asian Cup campaign.

SHOTLIST:  Rashid Stadium, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. 10th January 2019.

1. 00:00 Various of Palestine team-talk

2. 00:14 Generic of Palestine warming-up with the ball

3. 00:20 Palestine head coach Noureddine Ould Ali talking to his player

4. 00:27 SOUNDBITE (Arabic): Noureddine Ould Ali, Palestine head coach:

(On Palestine's approach to the game against Australia):

"I don't think that we are merely looking to be defensive in our matches. In our camp, we have an ambition to do well. We all would like to seize this opportunity and play well at the Asian Cup. We have got a point in our first game and we want to build on that and finish in a position that will take us to the knockout stage."

5. 01:07 Various of Palestine players warming-up with the ball

6. 01:24 Tamer Sayam warming-up with the team

7. 01:36 SOUNDBITE (Arabic): Tamer Sayam Palestine midfielder:

(On Australia being the superior team on paper):

"We know that Australia have a lot of good qualities and they have technical abilities to punish any team. For us, we can count on our team spirit and believe in ourselves. We can also count on the good support at the stadium from our fans. These are the two qualities that will be vital for us. We may be the underdogs but we are ready to get a result against Australia."

8. 02:30 Various of Palestine players warming-up

SOURCE: SNTV.

DURATION: 02:42.

Reaction from Al-Sharjah Stadium after ten-man Palestine salvaged a goalless draw against Syria in Group B of the AFC Asian Cup on Sunday.

Syria dominated proceedings but just couldn't put the ball into the back of the net.

Palestine were down to ten men in the 69th minute when Muhammed Saleh received a second yellow card.

Syria didn't capitalise on the advantage as it ended 0-0, an important point earned for the Palestinians.

Al-Sharjah Stadium, Sharjah, UAE - 6th January 2019.

1. 00:00 Palestine captain Abdalltif Al Bahdari enters press room

2. 00:09 SOUNDBITE (Arabic): Noureddine Ould Ali, Palestine head coach:

"We have built something from this match. We wanted to do some changes during the match today, but things happened and forced us not to do so when we were given three yellow cards and a red card, so our plan changed, and we could not make any substitutions."

3. 00:55 SOUNDBITE (English): Bernd Stange, Syria head coach:

"You have always the same problem if you face teams who are defending with ten players, or at least nine, they are staying very very compact. How can you run with big speed in this group of players? The only result you will achieve are counter-attacks, and maybe an easy goal for the opponents. It's very very difficult to play this kind of teams and I think we tried everything to come over the wings, to open, to come behind the defenders."

4. 01:26 Palestine defender Muhammed Saleh in mixed zone

5. 01:30 SOUNDBITE (Arabic): Muhammed Saleh, Palestine defender:

(About the red card he was shown)

"Our ambition was to win and have the three points so we could please our people. I am sorry for the sending off, it was the wrong decision, 100 per cent the decision was not right, and the referee took a fast decision, he could have made a better decision, and the video is there to see."

6. 02:00 Palestine defender Musab Battat talking with reporters in mixed zone

3. 02:03 SOUNDBITE (Arabic): Musab Battat, Palestine Defender:

"Every match has its own situations, and for the next match we will see the instructions of the coaching staff and perform their plan."

7. 02:19 SOUNDBITE (Arabic): Tamer Seyam, Palestine midfielder:

"I was expecting our team to win, because we played a good game, but the sending of affected us. We could have done better, but we are happy, we played well with ten men, and I think the result was good."

8. 02:49 SOUNDBITE (Arabic): Tamer Seyam, Palestine midfielder:

"I think today's football have a lot of surprises, and we saw in the World Cup that teams left early. Palestine cane be a surprise in this Asian Cup. We have to finish the group stage and the next match will be against Australia and we will do all we can to qualify."

9. 03:09 SOUNDBITE (Arabic): Abdalltif Al Bahdari, Palestine captain:

"All the players today were real men. We managed to close the spaces in the midfield as I told you yesterday. We managed to get one point, and today we played in the second-half for 30 minutes with ten men and we managed to cover the absence, and I hope we can correct our mistakes in the second match against Australia."

10. 03:44 SOUNDBITE (Arabic): Abdalltif Al Bahdari, Palestine captain:

"For sure Australia are one of the best teams, and the defending champions, so I hope we can perform at our best."

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 03:56

Palestine prepared for their final Group D match at the Asian Cup against Iraq in the Australian capital, Canberra, on Monday (19th January).

Palestine on Monday trained and talked at Canberra Stadium on the eve of their final Asian Cup Group D match against Iraq.

The team will be looking to restore some pride after losing their first two matches against Japan and Jordan.

With no points, nine goals conceded and only one scored, Palestine will hope to end their campaign 'down under' on a positive note at Canberra Stadium on Tuesday (20 January).

Their opponents will themselves be looking for a win to guarantee progression to the quarter-finals for the sixth time in a row since 1996.

Coach Ahmad Alhasan said his team have learnt a lot from their first appearance in the Asian Cup finals, and hoped the experience gained in Australia will help to develop Palestinian football.

Canberra Stadium, Canberra, Australia. 19 January 2015.

1. 00:00 Various of team training

2. 00:23 Palestine coach Ahmad Alhasan (left) with his coaching staff

3. 00:29 SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Ahmad Alhasan, Palestine coach:

"Without introduction, we know how strong the Iraqi team is in Asia, and their team needs to win this game to qualify for the next round. We know the strengths and weaknesses of the Iraqi team, so we will try to produce a good performance to make us proud as a Palestinian team."

4. 00:53 Various of team jogging

5. 01:14 Ahmad Alhasan kicking a ball with his assistant

6. 01:22 SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Ahmad Alhasan, Palestine coach:

"Without a doubt we learnt a lot from this championship. We have gained experience that we will pass on to Palestinian football and develop our game and benefit from the experience of the team in this championship."

7. 01:51 Various of team training

8. 02.03 SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Abdullah Jaber, Palestine defender:

"As players we had hoped to represent Palestine better than we did, but this is our first appearance in the competition and we have a lot of young players and the future is bright for them. For sure we have gained a lot of experience. In the future we promise to represent the Palestinian people much better, and I hope this group of players will bring happiness to the people."

9. 02:48 Various of team training

10. 03:06 SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Abdullah Jaber, Palestine defender:

"For sure this is a difficult competition for a country like Palestine, the teams we play against are the strongest in Asia. We are not scared of these teams, but the opposite - we are confident and enthusiastic. Sometimes over-confidence and over-enthusiasm affects our play."

11. 03:43 Goalkeepers practising

Arab Idol winner Mohammad Assaf spoke to reporters before he sang in front of the FIFA Congress in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The singer is from Palestine and was wearing a Palestinian football shirt.

Jibril Rajoub of the Palestinian Football Federation reiterated to SNTV that Palestinian footballers should "have the right to move freely and enjoy the right for the statutes of FIFA".

A senior Palestinian soccer delegate was not allowed to travel to Brazil after his visa was denied by Israel.

Mohammad Ammassi needed to go from Gaza to the West Bank, where he planned to travel from Jordan to Brazil.

The Palestine Football Association (PFA) have been lobbying FIFA to impose sanctions on Israel.

Mr Rajoub also said that the "ball was now in the court of FIFA".

Sao Paulo, Brazil - June 10th, 2014.

1. 00:00 Jibril Rajoub of Palestinian Football Federation (left) and singer Mohammad Assaf (right)

2. 00:05 SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Mohammad Assaf, Arab Idol winner:

"This is an important event. I am here to represent Palestine and the Arab world here in the FIFA Congress. It means that Palestine has been taking its part here. I hope Palestine takes its part everywhere, especially in sports events. Palestinian players suffer a lot because of the occupation and the checkpoints. Our players couldn't attend many matches because of the checkpoints. This is an important day for me as a Palestinian signer and citizen, because I represent Palestine in the opening ceremony of the FIFA Congress as a Palestinian."

3. 01:03 SOUNDBITE (English) Jibril Rajoub, Palestinian Football Federation

"First of all Mohammad Assaf is a football player but also he has good talents as a singer. I do believe that having him here today sing as a footballer and as a national icon is a good achievement. But also it draws attention to the whole international community that the Palestinian footballers have the right to move freely and enjoy the right for the statutes of FIFA."

4. 01:41 SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Mohammad Assaf, Arab Idol winner:

"I am very excited to be here and to represent Palestinians in such a big event, the 64th ceremony of the FIFA Congress. This is a message to show that Palestine takes part is sports and music. This is a message from Palestine to say that despite the occupation and its checkpoints, Palestine and its sports and music stars will always be creative and take part. As you know, Palestine won the AFC Challenge Cup 2014 and secure qualification for the next year's AFC Asian Cup, which is a great achievement. It shows the hope we have for the future. I wish the team the best in the finals."

5. 03:17 FIFA delegate arrives at Congress.

A leading FIFA representative tried on Friday (2nd October) to defuse a row between Israel and Palestine.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

A Palestine proposal to throw Israel out of FIFA for obstructing the free movement of players and equipment was dropped at the FIFA Congress in May.

Instead, they settled for the establishment of a monitoring group led by South African businessman and human rights activist Tokyo Sexwale.

But a recent move to switch Palestine's forthcoming World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia from home soil to neutral ground has caused anger in the region.

Palestine's FA has protested both to FIFA President Sepp Blatter and to Asian Football Association chief Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa.

Sheikh Salman was one of the three pivotal figures, along with Michel Platini and Kuwait's Sheikh Ahmad al-Fahad al-Sabah, who made the decision in favour of the Saudis.

Blatter has made it a priority to try and build lasting trust between Palestinian and Israeli officials.

To that end, Sexwale proposed a symbolic game between Israel and Palestine.

Tel Aviv, Israel. 2nd October, 2015.

1. 00:00 Chairman of the FIFA Monitoring Committee Israel and Palestine, Tokyo Sexwale, walking in corridor.

2. 00:13 Sexwale walking into press room.

3. 00:21 Cameraman.

4. 00:24 SOUNDBITE (English): Tokyo Sexwale, Chairman of the FIFA Monitoring Committee, Israel & Palestine

(Is he still considering running for FIFA president?) "I have issued a statement when the rumours started following the meeting with the FIFA draw in St. Petersburg. But I will apply my mind. There is a still a deadline I think it ends on the 26th of this month? Yes. But we still have some days and I am sure that in the right time I will make a pronouncement."

5. 00:53 Cameraman.

6. 00:57 SOUNDBITE (English): Tokyo Sexwale, Chairman of the FIFA Monitoring Committee, Israel and Palestine:

(How does he think FIFA was damaged by the criminal investigation opened into Sepp Blatter?) "I think for the purpose of this meeting I would like refrain from talking about the problems of FIFA. They are there, you know them and there will be relevant people to deal with that. But one hopes that at the end of the day for the sake of football again as it is played by small children in the dusty bowls of Chad or outside of the earthquake of Nepal, as it is played by Messi and Ronaldo, I hope that in the interest of the beautiful game FIFA will find a resolution to it's problems. I have opinions, very strong ones, but I don't think this press conference is for that."

7. 01:44 Cameraman.

8. 01:49 SOUNDBITE (English): Tokyo Sexwale, Chairman of the FIFA Monitoring Committee, Israel and Palestine:

"This is our meeting number one. We are all engaged and I find that all parties are interested in finding solutions that will make the play an enjoyment of football to be fulfilled. The question we are still going to be discussing is the one of the territories, and we are mindful that that question if resolution, belongs to political authorities, both here in Israel and elsewhere because this question has been internationalised. But I want to make it very clear, it is not a FIFA issue it is not our problem sitting inside this meeting, but it is a problem that is confronting football, and we have to come to a resolution of that problem, advising the relevant political authorities both here in Israel and elsewhere, to assist us in resolution of that problem."

9. 02:55 Cameraman.

10. 02:57 SOUNDBITE (English): Tokyo Sexwale, Chairman of the FIFA Monitoring Committee, Israel and Palestine:

"I proposed the meeting between the national team of Israel and the national team of Palestine to take place in South Africa. It is my proposal - not at today's meeting, but I proposed it at our meeting in Zurich, what we call the kick off meeting that was chaired by Mr. Blatter. So I hope that when all is said and done, there will be that kind of game because we had used football quite a lot in other situations to bring friendship and peace among people."

11. 03:34 Sexwale, Ofer Eini, head of the Israeli Football Association and Jibril Rajoub, head of the Palestinian Football Association.

Palestine prepare on the eve of their 2019 Asian Cup Group D qualifier against Bhutan in Dura, Palestine on Monday (9th October).

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Palestine will go a long way to clinching their place in the 2019 Asian Cup if they beat Bhutan on Monday in Group D.

At the halfway point of qualifying, Palestine have won all three games - including an impressive 2-1 victory over Oman.

Both teams play on Monday.

If second-placed Oman beat the Maldives, which is likely after their 5-0 win over the same country last month, and Palestine also get three points, the Palestinians will have a nine-point lead over third-placed Maldives with three games to go.

The top two teams from each group go through to the 2019 Asian Cup finals in the United Arab Emirates.

Bhutan are bottom of the group with zero points - they conceded 14 goals to Oman.

The Palestinians have been slowly rising up the FIFA world rankings since 2015 and that victory over Oman in September saw them jump from 116 to 94, overtaking the Omanis in the process.

Palestine made their first appearance in the Asian Cup finals in 2015 - but finished bottom of their group with zero points.

Al Bireh International Stadium, Dura, Palestine. 8th October 2017.

1. 00:00 Various Palestine training.

2. 00:50 SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Abdelnasir Barakat, Palestine coach:

"Playing in our own country and in front of our own fans is an important factor. We hope there will be a large number of fans as there were in Bhutan, the Bhutanese were loud. Therefore, we hope the Palestinian fans will come en masse. I mean the first time we qualified for the Asian Cup we qualified through the Challenge Cup, but this time, could be the first time through direct qualification. The goal before we started was to get the 10 points in group one, and thankfully we got these points, which are essential for us to improve our International and Olympic points."

3. 01:22 Various Palestine training.

SOURCE: SNTV.

DURATION: 01:47.

Palestine fans get ready for their team's Asian Cup debut against Japan on Monday (12th January).

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Palestine have never played in the Asian Cup finals, they qualified for the tournament after success in the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup in the Maldives.

Palestine beat the Philippines in the AFC Challenge Cup final, but also registered wins over Afghanistan, Myanmar and Kyrgyzstan along the way to the final.

Hundreds of Palestinian fans are in Newcastle, Australia to support their team, who will make their Asian Cup debut against Japan at the Newcastle Stadium on Monday (12th January).

Palestine fans Abu Bakr and the Sadek family had a picnic by the beach in Newcastle before heading to the stadium to watch the big game.

Palestine's first match doesn't come much harder, Japan are the defending champions and four-time winners of the competition.

Also in Group D are Iraq and Jordan.

Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia - 12th January 2015.

1. 00:00 Opening shots of Palestinian family eating by the beach

2. 00:18 Family members chatting around table

3. 00:26 Close up of lady serving Arabic coffee

4. 00:33 Khodr Halayla with his wife

5. 00:40 SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Khodr Halayla, Palestine fan:

"It was dream, and thank God the dream has come through. I cannot express my feelings, I really feel great and happy, thank God."

6. 00:59 Various of family members

7. 01:15 SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Ossama Abubaker, Palestine fan:

"The Palestine football team has come to Australia in 1898 and won against Australia 1-0, few know this information because we are talking about history of 117 years."

8. 01:41 Wide of eating table

9. 01:48 Close up of Aya Abubakr

10. 01:55 SOUNDBITE: (English) Aya Abu bakr, Palestine fan:

"I try to show I'm Palestinian and proud and I just want to give them my support and I hope that they win because it's the first time they're actually going to be in an international game. So I really want them to win and I'm going to probably go to all their games hopefully and give them my full support."

11. 02:15 Shots of family members

11. 02:30 SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Wafa Sadek, Palestinian fan

"To have our team in Australia? I usually don't like soccer but I became one of the fans, I woke up my kids from the early morning to come here support our team."

11. 02:56 Closing shots of fans praying

Palestine trained and talked on Sunday (11th January) about their Asian Cup debut against Japan in Group D.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Palestine will make their first-ever appearance at a major tournament on Monday (12th January) when they face Japan in Group D of the Asian Cup in Newcastle.

Ahmed Al Hassan's side qualified for the Asian Cup after winning the AFC Challenge Cup in the Maldives last year, but are in Australia as significant underdogs.

In preparation for the tournament, Palestine played seven friendlies since the Challenge Cup, winning four of them.

Al Hassan, who became coach of the national team in October, said he had two goals for the tournament.

Goalkeeper and captain Ramzi Saleh said reaching the tournament was significant for all Palestinians around the world.

Newcastle, Australia. 11th January, 2015.

1. 00:00 Palestine and Japan flags at the stadium.

2. 00:07 Players jogging at the stadium.

3. 00:21 Striker Ashraf Alfawaghra jogging.

4. 00:28 Palestine coach Ahmed Al Hassan looking on.

5. 00:35 SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Ahmed Al Hassan, Palestine coach:

"We hope to reach two goals in this tournament. Our first aim is to add something to our achievement in 2014 - qualifying against Maldives - by showing a good performance, to honour the Palestinian people who are suffering under occupation. And the second goal is qualifying to second stage."

6. 01:01 Various of training.

7. 01:19 Ramzi Saleh training with goalkeepers.

8. 01:24 SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Ramzi Saleh, Palestine goalkeeper:

"Japan are the champions and our group is very strong. It includes two Asian champions with good experience. We don't have that experience yet, but we have an advantage in that, we play with our hearts. I hope we will qualify to next stage."

9. 01:55 Ramzi training.

10. 02:03 Coach at training session.

11. 02:10 SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Ahmed Al Hassan, Palestine coach:

"This is a first time for us, to play against Japan and it's our first participation in the Asian Cup. We know the Japan team very well. They are one of the strongest teams in Asia and have played at the World Cup and won the Asia Cup four times. We are prepared to meet this team, which we respect. We will give our best performance in the pitch."

12. 02:50 Al Hassan at training session.

Reaction after Palestine thrashed Bhutan 10-0 in their Group D 2019 AFC Cup qualifier at the Dora International Stadium in Hebron, Palestine, on Tuesday (10th October).

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Palestine qualified for the AFC Asian Cup after demolishing Bhutan 10-0 at the Dora International Stadium in Hebron on Tuesday.

The host team were in total control of the match after scoring six goals in the first half.

Palestine and Oman had assured a top-two finish in Group D with two games to spare.

In the other game of Group D, Oman defeated Maldives 3-1.

The 2019 AFC Asian Cup starts on 5th of January.

Dora International Stadium, Hebron, Palestine - 10th October 2017

1. 00:00 Fireworks

2. 00:06 Various of fans celebrating the victory

3. 00:15 SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Abdel Nasser Barakat, Palestine coach:

"The team played very well. They wanted to achieve a great result to bring happiness to Palestinians. The game was played at home in front of our fans. We also wanted to restore our confidence, and show a good performance to reflect our progress in the past two and a half years. At the end, we would like to thank all Palestinian people and media for the their support."

4. 00:38 SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Abdelatif Bahdari, Palestine defender:

"The team played with responsibility today. We scored ten goals! I would like to thank the Palestinian fans for supporting us. Our victory is dedicated to the Palestinian people, and we hope we will achieve more success in the Asian Nations Cup at the UAE (United Arab Emirates)."

5. 00:53 Various of fans celebrating outside the stadium

6. 01:06 SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Mohammad Darwish, Palestine striker:

"We won 10-0. The team played very well. Our team is always progressing. We have been training very hard."

7. 01:18 SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Mohammad Abu Khamis, Palestine:

"We played the Bhutan with respect even, though their recent scores were very bad. We played well and we had a big victory. We qualified for the Asian Cup of Nations 2019. This was the dream for every Palestinian".

8. 01:36 Various of fans celebrating

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 01:55

STORYLINE:

Palestine trained in Abu Dhabi on Monday, preparing for their AFC Asian Cup Group B meeting with already qualified Jordan.

They may currently sit bottom of the group standings, but a win over Jordan would see the 'Lions of Canaan' progress to the knockout stage for the first time in what is their second appearance in the Asian Cup finals.

Noureddine Ould Ali's side have one point from their two group matches - the same as Syria, with whom they shared a goalless draw in the two nations' opening fixture.

Australia - 3-0 winners over Palestine in the second round of group fixtures - are second on three points, with Jordan top on six following back-to-back victories.

Even a draw may be enough to see Palestine through to the round of 16, with the four best third place finishers from the six groups also advancing.

SHOTLIST: Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE. 14th January 2019.

1. 00:00 Various of Palestine players warming up

2. 00:14 Various of goalkeepers in training

3. 00:33 Training

4. 00:38 Midfielder Oday Dabbagh

5. 00:48 Players dribbling

6. 00:56 SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Oday Dabbagh, Palestine midfielder (rough translation):

"We have done our utmost preparation for the next match, because tomorrow's match will be a very crucial match for our team. We have prepared well. As you said, there is a special flavour in this match between two friendly countries - Palestine and Jordan - but I hope it will be a good match and that we will manage the win and the qualification, God willing, as one of the best third place teams, or even second best."

7. 01:26 Palestine head coach Noureddine Ould Ali

8. 01:32 SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Noureddine Ould Ali, Palestine head coach:

"For us, we will play against Jordan as if we are playing in the final of the tournament, for the coach but mostly for the players. I spoke to my players after the match against Australia. All the players spoke and expressed their readiness to make the necessary sacrifice to qualify, which would be historical."

9. 02:08 Various of players warming up

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 02:27

Palestine prepared on Monday (12th June) for their AFC Asian Cup Group D qualifier with Oman, which takes place on Tuesday (13th June).

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Palestine host Oman on Tuesday (13th June) in Group D of the third round of the qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup.

Palestine won 3-0 away against the Maldives on matchday one, with two goals from Ahmad Maher Wridat and one by Ahmad Abu Nahyeh.

Oman were impressive 14-0 winners over Bhutan in Muscat in their first Group D game - the Gulf state's biggest ever win.

It appears to be a two-horse race between these two sides who will finish top of Group D.

Oman will be favourites to reach the 2019 AFC Asian Cup finals having reached the tournament three of the last four times.

Oman also have the experienced Pim Verbeek in charge, he steered South Korea to a third-placed finish at the 2007 AFC Asian Cup and managed Australia at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Palestine qualified for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Australia by winning the AFC Challenge Cup in the Maldives in 2014.

Faisal Al-Husseini Stadium, Al Ram, West Bank, Jerusalem - 12th June 2017.

1. 00:00 Players arrive for training

2. 00:15 Palestine players in huddle

3. 00:19 Palestine squad start training

4. 00:22 Mid shot of Abdel Nasser Barakat

5. 00:28 SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Abdel Nasser Barakat, Palestine technical director

"This is a very important match for our team and we hope the players will be able to achieve what is required from them. Winning this match will put us on top of the group. It is also an important match because it is held on Palestinian soil, in front of our supporters and in our stadium. We always ask our players to do what they can to bring joy to our supporters when we play at home. We hope to please our supporters by winning the match, although we are aware of the difficulty of playing against this strong Omani team."

6. 00:58 Various of Palestine training

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 02:02

Jordan prepared on Thursday (15th January) for their Asian Cup Group D game against Palestine.

Jordan head coach Ray Wilkins has defended striker Ahmad Hayel ahead of Jordan's critical Asian Cup Group D match with Palestine.

Speaking in Melbourne on Thursday, Wilkins confirmed Ahmad will miss the match after falling ill during a doping test following Jordan's opening 1-0 loss to Iraq on Monday (12th January).

The AFC (Asian Football Confederation) issued a statement on Wednesday (14th January) confirming Hayel was unable to complete his test due to his dehydrated condition.

Jordan filed a complaint after they said the striker nearly passed out and returned to the hotel suffering from hypothermia after being made to drink three litres of water in a cold room, while medical staff attempted to obtain a testing sample.

Wilkins said he will rest Ahmad for one and possibly two matches while he recovers, saying people were more important than football.

It was just the latest indignity suffered by Wilkins, who was temporarily stopped from joining his team for their pre-match training on Thursday because he didn't have his accreditation.

Wilkins eventually stepped on to the Rectangular Stadium pitch with the correct pass around his neck.

Tempers between Jordan and Palestine flared earlier in the week when Wilkins said his side's match with Iraq would likely determine the second team behind Japan to advance out of the group.

The Palestinian FA asked for an apology, calling the words disrespectful to them.

Palestine coach Ahmed Al Hassan made mention of the comments in his pre-match news conference on Wednesday, noting his team will do its talking on the pitch.

But Wilkins shot back, saying words are cheap and that results matter.

Asked if his squad was still reeling from the Iraq loss, Wilkins said no, but added that Jordan must defeat Palestine.

Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne, Australia - 15th January, 2015.

1. 00:00 Jordan coach Ray Wilkins walking

2. 00:07 Jordan training session

3. 00:14 Jordan players training

4. 00:19 Jordan striker Ahmad Hayel (left) running

5. 00:29 Ray Wilkins takes his seat at news conference

6. 00:36 SOUNDBITE: (English) Ray Wilkins, Jordan coach (on holding back striker Ahmad Hayel for the Palestine match after he fell ill during a doping test):

"Football obviously for me is extremely important. But people are more important. Ahmad had a.... he lost so much fluid the other night when he played, and we were very, very concerned as to his well-being. He is now okay. But we still must remember when we play this wonderful game of ours that it's not about football alone. It's about people. And people are far more important than the game of football."

7, 01:06 Wilkins speaking with AFC officials over not being allowed onto pitch into the due to not having his accreditation

8. 01:12 Wilkins sitting on hill outside stadium waiting for situation to be resolved

9. 01:17 Wilkins in stadium with accreditation on his neck

10. 01:24 Jordan players training

11. SOUNDBITE: (English) Ray Wilkins, Jordan coach (on Palestinian coach Ahmed Al Hassan mentioning that Jordan lost its opener after Wilkins said it was the match that would determine the second team to advance from Group D):

"If you don't win, then you get the sack. That's life. That's football. All I've tried to do since I've been here with these men is to make them to enjoy their football and for us to improve. The Palestinian coach will be the Palestinian coach for as long as Palestine decide he will be the coach. I have played a lot of games and I've lost a lot of games. But that doesn't worry me. My main concern is the well-being of the guys and that we improve. The Palestinian coach can say what he wants because words are cheap."

12. 02:17 Wilkins walking

13. 02:27 Jordan training

14. 02:32 Jordan striker Odai Al-Saify training

15. SOUNDBITE: (Arabic) Odai Al-Saify, Jordan striker (on the Palestine match):

"It's a win or die game for us. We need the three points. If we can win we will still have a chance of qualification. If we get the win, then we can focus on getting another three points against Japan. So, this is a big match for the team and we will give 100 per cent. We know that people back home are waiting for us to do something positive and qualify."

16. 03:02 Wilkins walking

17. 03:17 SOUNDBITE: (English) Ray Wilkins, Jordan coach (on his mindset heading into the Palestine match):

"I'm one of those guys, I love life. I don't walk around with a long face."

Q: "What have you been doing to left those players after that (Iraq) loss?"

"I've been the same guy ever since I've been with them. There's been no problem. No different. Why do I need to argue? I don't argue with them I talk to them. If we can get out of it something positive, we get out of it something positive. But I'm not a ranter and raver. We speak. If the player has a problem, he speaks to me. If I have a problem I would tell him. So I don't get down. I can't afford to get down. We have to win."

18. 03:51 Jordan players training.

Palestine finalised their preparations ahead of their AFC Asian Cup 2019 opener against Syria.

The 'Lions of Canaan' ranked 99 in the world, are making their second appearance at tournament following their debut in the competition in Australia in 2015.

Palestine's target will be to better their 2015 showing, when they exited the competition at the group stage in their maiden appearance.

Captain Abdelatif Bahdari believes the team has learnt from three years ago and now have more professional players and a new coaching staff.

Palestine have been drawn in Group B alongside defending champions Australia, Jordan and Syria.

Sharjah, UAE. 5th January 2019.

1. 00:00 Pan from flag to the pitch

2. 00:12 Various of Palestinian team in huddle

3. 00:30 Players passing the ball

4. 00:37 Palestine head coach Noureddine Ould Ali

5. 00:43 SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Noureddine Ould Ali, Palestine head coach:

"They have the right to dream , and have confident to win the match, and I think we have the same right to perform well and have a good result."

6. 01:12 Palestinian captain Abdelatif Bahdari jogging

7. 01:18 SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Abdelatif Bahdari, Palestine captain:

"The situation is deferent from 2015 final, as we did not have enough experience, and we did not prepare well, and now we learnt from our mistakes from 2015. Now we have professional players and ten players played in this tournament, and we have a good coaching staff, and hope we can perform better this time

8. 01:51 Various of training

9. 02:03 SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Abdelatif Bahdari, Palestine captain:

" For sure Omar Al Somah and Omar Kharbin are among the best strikers in Asia and everyone respect the two, but we have good defenders , and we have a plan from our coach how to stop those players, and if we control the midfield we will be able to stop them, and we will attack them with a counter-attack, and close all the spaces to stop them."

10. 02:37 Various of training