Some are arguing demonstrably about Real Madrid - the names Zidane and Ronaldo mixing with their passionate Arabic.
This is Syria's national football team and their presence here in Malaysia is the culmination of a journey travelled by more than just themselves and their team-mates.
Syria played until today 24 games against.
Joining Brigadier General Mowaffak Joumaa at the children's regional taekwondo tournament, we are reminded that mortar fire — both incoming from rebel positions in the suburbs and going back out from the regime — is part of daily life in Damascus.
As we wait, we get a closer look at the pitch - bald patches of dry earth and a very coarse greenery that barely resembles grass.
We need always to look forward, to be optimistic and to have hope, otherwise the life will be stopped.