“At this difficult time in Syria's life, we believe our participation in these finals will bring joy to Syrian people regardless of the results. The situation in our country makes our presence here even more important.”

Syria’s U-17 coach Mohammad Al Attar is clearly proud to represent his country, and does not skirt around the issues at hand. The ongoing situation in Syria, and the ensuing refugee crisis, has understandably made it tough for his young side in the build-up to the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Perspective is required at times like these, but Al Attar insists his team are intent on showing a positive side of the country - on the football pitch. The game has bred unity and positivity in the country in the past, and Al Attar hopes it will do again.

“It is an honour for every Syrian that we are part of this major world championship at this difficult time in Syria's life,” said Al Attar. And, speaking to FIFA.com the day after his team lost their opening Group F match, 4-1 to Paraguay, he was able to take positives from the result.

“We are the only Arab team to have made it to the finals,” Al Attar said. “Merely taking part in this international competition makes us proud and gives us the morale boost that we’d hoped for after the huge effort we’ve put in over the past two years.”

The backing of a nation*

*Despite the difficult situation in the country, the Syrian public have not forgotten their team, with many fans staying awake until dawn to watch their team’s opener in Chile.

"The Syrian fans have demonstrated this passion for decades,” Al Attar said. “When a Syrian team plays in a foreign competition, everyone rallies around them and supports them by every possible means.”

This ardent love of football in the country saw the nation back their young heroes at their most recent global appearances, the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2005 and the 2007 edition of the U-17 finals – the side reached the knockout stages in both tournaments.

“We saw national unity, with everyone talking about the national team,” Al Attar recalled. “This time, too, the situation will certainly not be different.”

* *Syria have faced many obstacles during the course of their preparations, with training moved to Damascus, Latakia and Russia – an allegorical nod to the infinitely more dire issues facing their fellow Syrians across the world. During the build-up to the tournament, those problems back home have meant spirits in the camp have been low.

“When you stay in training camps for a long time it can be exhausting,” Al Attar said. “We tried to address this problem by minimising knowledge of the situation back home, stressing the need for every player to give their all during the games and to only think about our flag and raising Syria's profile.”

Modern technology has helped boost morale in the squad, with the team’s No9 Naeem Ghazal explaining the worldwide connection to the Syrian community.

“We were able to talk and video call, and all players need support like this,” Ghazal said. “After our loss to Paraguay we expected some negative reactions [on social media], but instead we got a positive response and endless support from everyone. [The fans] congratulated us on our performance, our determination, and urged us to do better in our next encounters.”

*A warm welcome

*What's more, support came not only from relatives and countrymen in Syria. Indeed, when the team visited the Syrian Arab School in Puerto Montt, they were given a warm welcome by the locals. Established more than four decades ago, the school teaches Arab traditions and customs to its students, who are largely of Syrian origin. The schoolchildren carried Syrian flags, recited the national anthem, took pictures, received autographs from the players and had a kickaround with the team. A much-needed experience of familiarity, many miles from home.

Despite the inaugural loss to La Albirroja, Syria are still hopeful of staying in the hunt for a knockout berth by beating the Kiwis, themselves heavily defeated by France in their first game. After contacting their families back home following their inspirational visit to the Syrian Arab school here on Chilean soil, the players’ enthusiasm to represent their country positively on the pitch is overflowing. Football is indeed a small distraction in a difficult time for Syria, but three points against New Zealand would surely bring a much-needed smile to every Syrian’s face – wherever they are in the world.