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Palestinian football fans in the UAE say their national team's historic win in the Asian Cup has brought them happiness amid the Gaza war.
Palestine reached the knockout rounds of the tournament for the first time after beating Hong Kong 3-0 on Tuesday.
Oday Dabbagh netted two goals, while fellow attacker Zaid Qunbar scored a header at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha.
The historic sporting moment means that Palestine will go through to the knockouts as one of the best third-placed finishers, with four points in their group.
We have players with a warriors' spirit
Refat Safi,
60, Dubai
It comes as Israel's war against Hamas rages in Gaza, following the militant group's October 7 attacks.
The violence has caused widespread destruction and a humanitarian crisis, with more than Palestinians 25,000 killed.
“The players have spread happiness among the Palestinian people,” Refat Safi, a Palestinian football fan, told The National.
“It is a historic achievement that has spread joy among us amid the sadness we experience because of the conflict in Palestine.”
The 60-year-old, who has been living in the UAE since 1987, said he never misses a single Palestine match, but the recent game has made him proud.
“It was the best match we have ever played. We have players with a warriors' spirit. I wasn't expecting them to reach the knockouts but it's a dream come true,” he said.
Mr Safi said he initially had mixed feelings over the victory, given the devastation unfolding in Palestine.
“I'm sad with the news of conflict at my home in Gaza, but I watched the match to cheer for Palestine. Football has the magic to change your mood as well as draw smiles on people's faces,” he said.
Mr Safi said the team's performance had improved despite the lack of preparations ahead of the tournament held in Qatar.
“We don't have a regular league and players come from different areas. They needed time to compete with stronger teams, but the sky is the limit now,” he said.
“The most concerning thing is the players' fitness, but they can be the dark horse of the tournament now.”
Palestinian Janine Alamir, 26, who lives in Sharjah, said she rarely watches football but was thrilled when she heard the team's triumph.
“I was super happy as the team put my country in the headlines. It is a victory amid the difficult situation of the conflict,” she told The National.
“I think the conflict in Gaza was a big motivation for the players to perform well.”
Ms Alamir also said that she's pleased Palestine is being known for something positive, other than explosions and conflict.
She said she will support the team in the knockout stage with the hope of enjoying another victory.
“Palestinian people need joy after all the sad news in recent months. Football can make us happy,” she added.
UAE into Asian Cup knockouts
The UAE also made it to the knockout rounds after qualifying for the last 16 in the Asian Cup, despite a 2-1 defeat to Iran.
However, Emirati fans said they were still disappointed due to consistent poor performance throughout the tournament.
Nasir Hassan, 56, who lives in Dubai, said he was more shocked by the UAE's sub-par performance than its qualifying to the knockout rounds.
“We always go through the tournament and this year the group was easy, but our performance was poor,” he told The National.
“Congratulations to the team and the nation, but we expect more from the players.”
Coach Paulo Bento's side did just enough in their opening two matches to scrape through as Group C runners-up – on goal difference. But the fans say they want more of a structured team going forward.
“The coach is mismanaging the team. He keeps changing the formation and the players' positions,” Mr Hassan said.
“We played well in the pre-tournament friendly matches, but we have to learn from our mistakes.”
Dubai resident Hamad Khamis, 30, also blamed the coach for the team's poor performance.
“We played terribly and we were lucky to have qualified. Our best players are the subs. Players need to trust more in their ability,” he said.
“Having experienced players among our young ones are a must. They can guide the team in difficult times during the match.”
Despite the disappointment, Mr Hassan plans to travel to Doha to support the UAE in their match against Tajikistan on Sunday.
He said players must perform better if they want to win the game.
“Our path in the tournament is easier than the other teams.
“Players need to fight because they are carrying our flag on their chests.
“We still have confidence in them.”
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The specs: 2019 Audi A8
Price From Dh390,000
Engine 3.0L V6 turbo
Gearbox Eight-speed automatic
Power 345hp @ 5,000rpm
Torque 500Nm @ 1,370rpm
Fuel economy, combined 7.5L / 100km
It’ll be summer in the city as car show tries to move with the times
If 2008 was the year that rocked Detroit, 2019 will be when Motor City gives its annual car extravaganza a revamp that aims to move with the times.
A major change is that this week's North American International Auto Show will be the last to be held in January, after which the event will switch to June.
The new date, organisers said, will allow exhibitors to move vehicles and activities outside the Cobo Center's halls and into other city venues, unencumbered by cold January weather, exemplified this week by snow and ice.
In a market in which trends can easily be outpaced beyond one event, the need to do so was probably exacerbated by the decision of Germany's big three carmakers – BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi – to skip the auto show this year.
The show has long allowed car enthusiasts to sit behind the wheel of the latest models at the start of the calendar year but a more fluid car market in an online world has made sales less seasonal.
Similarly, everyday technology seems to be catching up on those whose job it is to get behind microphones and try and tempt the visiting public into making a purchase.
Although sparkly announcers clasp iPads and outline the technical gadgetry hidden beneath bonnets, people's obsession with their own smartphones often appeared to offer a more tempting distraction.
“It's maddening,” said one such worker at Nissan's stand.
The absence of some pizzazz, as well as top marques, was also noted by patrons.
“It looks like there are a few less cars this year,” one annual attendee said of this year's exhibitors.
“I can't help but think it's easier to stay at home than to brave the snow and come here.”
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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EEmonovo%20(previously%20Marj3)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ECairo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELaunch%20year%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2016%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E12%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eeducation%20technology%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Ethree%20rounds%2C%20undisclosed%20amount%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus
Results
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,600m; Winner: Aahid Al Khalediah II, Pat Cosgrave (jockey), Helal Al Alawi (trainer)
5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Whistle, Harry Bentley, Abdallah Al Hammadi
6pm: Wathba Stallions Cup - Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Alsaied, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
6.30pm: Emirates Fillies Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh100,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Mumayaza, Antonio Fresu, Eric Lemartinel
7pm: Emirates Colts Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh100,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Hameem, Adrie de Vries, Abdallah Al Hammadi
7.30pm: President’s Cup – Group 1 (PA) Dh2,500,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Somoud, Richard Mullen, Jean de Roualle
8pm: President’s Cup – Listed (TB) Dh380,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Medahim, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
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The biog
Favourite pet: cats. She has two: Eva and Bito
Favourite city: Cape Town, South Africa
Hobby: Running. "I like to think I’m artsy but I’m not".
Favourite move: Romantic comedies, specifically Return to me. "I cry every time".
Favourite spot in Abu Dhabi: Saadiyat beach
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
match info
Southampton 2 (Ings 32' & pen 89') Tottenham Hotspur 5 (Son 45', 47', 64', & 73', Kane 82')
Man of the match Son Heung-min (Tottenham)
PSL FINAL
Multan Sultans v Peshawar Zalmi
8pm, Thursday
Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
At a glance
- 20,000 new jobs for Emiratis over three years
- Dh300 million set aside to train 18,000 jobseekers in new skills
- Managerial jobs in government restricted to Emiratis
- Emiratis to get priority for 160 types of job in private sector
- Portion of VAT revenues will fund more graduate programmes
- 8,000 Emirati graduates to do 6-12 month replacements in public or private sector on a Dh10,000 monthly wage - 40 per cent of which will be paid by government
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
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