DayofPal—Thousands of people in the Gaza Strip came out late yesterday of their tents and from among their destroyed homes to watch World Cup Knockout match and prayed for Egypt to win against its Australian rivals.
Social media footage from the besieged strip showed people gathered at a match screening against the backdrop of bombed buildings and makeshift tents, some smiling and holding up Egypt flags that many children had painted on their faces.
On Friday, Egypt held their nerve to beat Australia 4-2 on penalties and secure their first World Cup knockout victory following a 1-1 draw after extra time in a cagey round of 32 match at Dallas Stadium.
Emam Ashour had given Egypt the lead with a 13th-minute header before an own goal by Mohamed Hany 10 minutes into the second half levelled the scores.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has dedicated his team’s World Cup knockout to the people of Palestine, who joined the rest of the Arab world in celebrating the historic victory through the night.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Hassan said: “May Allah grant them [the Palestinians] victory, may Allah have mercy on their martyrs.
“I’m saying to them: I’m dedicating this victory to the Egyptian people and Palestinian people, those kind and honourable people.”
Hassan carried both the Egyptian and Palestinian flags onto the pitch following the victory, which was the country’s first win in its first-ever World Cup knockout game, as the team collectively bent down on the ground in prostration.
Former Egyptian international star Mohamed Aboutrika commented on coach Hussam Hassan dedicating Egypt’s national team victory to the Palestinian people, saying: “We were raised on the Palestinian cause.”
He emphasized that the Palestinian issue is deeply rooted in Egyptian identity and shared sentiment across society, noting that even in moments of celebration, many people do not forget what is happening there.
Several Palestinian football fans took to social media to express their shared joy with Egypt, especially in the Gaza Strip.
“For the first time, I’m following the World Cup with this much excitement,” Gaza-based Tamer Nahed wrote on X.
“I was so happy to see Egypt win a little while ago, but the most beautiful sight was here … thousands of people came out of their tents and from among their destroyed homes to watch the match.
“Faces lit up with smiles, cheers filled the air, and it felt as if everyone had decided to give themselves a moment of life despite everything surrounding them,” he wrote.
Activist Nahed Qudeih wrote on X:
“This is a national celebration in the streets of Gaza; chants of “Allahu Akbar,” sounds of joy, and tears—like a scene repeating the announcement of a ceasefire after the peak of genocide.
A deep bond of unity and love connects the people of Gaza with Egypt; it is a historical, cultural, geographical, and security extension, and they share tribal and familial ties as well.
One body that suffers and rejoices, and no force in this world, no matter how powerful, can break these deeply rooted bonds within the people of Gaza.
Gaza celebrates its national team’s victory after a difficult period of suffering and hardship; Egypt did not qualify alone, Gaza qualified with it—an overwhelming wave of celebrations.”
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