Palestine draw down to character of the side, claims super stopper Rami Hamada

Palestine put on a backs-against-the-wall display against Syria on Sunday. (AFP)

• Palestine secured their first ever point at the Asian Cup against Syria.
• Goalkeeper Hamada praises side grit and determination.

LONDON: Character is what secured Palestine their first ever point in the Asian Cup with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Syria on Sunday.
That is according to the side goalkeeper Rami Hamada who was key in repelling wave after wave of Syrian attacks. Hamada made some brilliant last-ditch saves as Palestine were reduced to 10 men following the 68th-minute dismissal of defender Mohammed Saleh.
And having made history by picking up the point — this is Palestine’s second appearance at the Asian Cup — the super stopper praised the side’s determination.
“It is an important point, not just the fact it’s against a strong Syria team, but also because it’s Palestine’s first ever AFC Asian Cup point,” the 24-year-old said.
“It was a difficult match for us, so I really would like to thank my teammates for all their efforts. Even when we had a player sent off, every one of us fought for two.
“This is what sets us apart from our opponents; we always show strong character on the pitch.
“The players were alert for the entire 90 minutes and so was I. We looked after one another and were determined to achieve our objective.
“We fought for the name of Palestine and for the flag on our chests and that’s our biggest strength.”
Palestine face reigning champions Australia in their second Group B match in Dubai on Friday.