Expert
A pair of goals from Tim Cahill – one in the 13th minute as an equaliser, the other in extra time, the 109th, to put Australia ahead – has kept the Socceroos’ hopes of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup alive.
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Final score
Socceroos 2
Syria 1
Australia will be heavy favourites to advance to the inter-confederation play-off for a spot in the FIFA World Cup when they host Syria in the second leg of the Asian fourth round. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 8pm (AEDT).
The Socceroos should have qualified directly for the World Cup, but leaving points on the park throughout the group stages has left them needing victory over Syria, then the fourth-placed CONCACAF team.
Of course, Syria has come from the other end of the spectrum. The war-torn country were barely rated a chance of making it out of the third round, playing all their home matches in Malaysia but came home with a wet sail to make the play-off.
This play-off began in Malaysia, with Syria securing a draw thanks to a late penalty. It was a frustrating night for the green and gold, with shot after shot hitting the woodwork.
While a Robbie Kruse goal in the 40th minute gave Australia a crucial away goal, a contentious penalty was slotted by Omar Al Soma just five minutes from time to ensure Syria hit the second leg with a fighting chance.
Syria can’t settle for a 0-0 draw in this tie. A 1-1 draw would send it to extra time, a 2-2 draw means they go through, as does a win and anything less means they fail in their qualification bid.
Ange Postecoglou’s men will be extremely disappointed they didn’t manage to pick up a win in Malaysia though. They dominated the contest for the most part, but Syria’s energy as the game drew to a close, as well as Australia’s substitution plan were worries for the green and gold.
Interestingly, Tom Rogic was played just seven minutes plus injury time in Malaysia. He is likely to start the second leg, which should prove Australia a fresh, and extremely dangerous attacking option out of the midfield.
The visitors have also lost Omar Kharbin through suspension for the second leg. He copped a late yellow card and was substituted moments later, but the damage was done. After Al-Soma did most of the damage in the first leg, a new combination up front with captain Firas Al-Khatib will be dangerous.
Given one of Australia’s main problems has been defensive structure throughout the qualification campaign, they must find a way to shut down the dangerous Al-Soma if the going gets tough at any point. Controlling possession and speeding up their passing game will be vital.
Prediction
Surely Australia don’t lose this at home? Heads will roll if they do after an inconsistent qualifying campaign. An early goal will be crucial to settle the nerves, but expect the better condition of the Australian side, and home ground advantage to allow them to run away late after a scare.
Australia 3 – Syria 1.
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