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.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of this crucial second leg from 8pm (AEDT) and don’t forget to add a comment below.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
(rolls eyes...)
Matt
Guest
... ahh which is 2-2 on aggregate.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Could be right Stevo. Smith didn't look like he was going to do much.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Right at the end of the 120 - just before injury time. That's as close as you get without actually losing.
punter
Guest
Yeah whatever!!!!
punter
Guest
Well done Scott!!!
punter
Guest
Makes up for hitting the post 3 times against Thailand & twice in 1st leg against Syria.
Scott Pryde
Expert
That it was - fancy that being my first Football blog!
Torchbearer
Guest
Was at the game- when Syria took that free kick right in front with about 3 minutes to go, and it hit the post (or something similar) I thought my heart was going to stop...
DaniE
Roar Guru
Thanks Scott - heck of a game to blog
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Haha, sorry. Nonetheless, remove the word 'back' from my comment and the point still stands. Seriously though, why does it matter? Why is it so objectionable for you that they support the team the chose to support? By the way, where you immigrate here from? Wouldn't you of all people understand why they'd want to have an attachment to their or their parents country of birth? How many times has a Syrian national team ever played in Australia, let alone Sydney. I'm genuinely asking these questions, because I'm beyond bemused and somewhat puzzled by your original comment.
hogdriller
Roar Rookie
Never ever said they should hiss off "back"to Syria AD, was merely implying they've never even been there......that was my whole point. Or maybe that was just a bit much for you to understand....apparently.
TK
Guest
Unadulterated Lucky. But we were probably due one. Glad matty had his post covered.....
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Oh wow, you've really devastated me with that one. Let me get this straight: you’re saying that people in Australia whose parents are Syrian have no right to support the country that their family has allegiance too? I don’t think anyone has any doubt that they’re lucky to be born in or reside in Australia, but suggesting they should “hiss off” back to Syria is just ignorant. A bit stup!d. Probably a bit discriminatory too. Enjoy the Soccerroo’s win though, and don’t let the visiting Syrian team haunt you so much – they really aren’t scary. As much as you probably think they are! ?
hogdriller
Roar Rookie
Suppose it is for one who follows a code that will never have a national team on the world stage.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
One wonders whether Brad Smith's early exit with Mooy replacing him was another crucial moment in our favour. Will never know.
SM
Guest
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Matt
Guest
I was referring to 2-2 aggregate.
hogdriller
Roar Rookie
Gee, that makes sense XI
SM
Guest
Just take the win and move on. No positives to take from this one. I really hate to be so negative, but this campaign really feels like a death by a thousand cuts.