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Australia vs Syria |
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|---|---|---|
2019 Asian Cup |
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| Sheikh Khalifa International Stadium | ||
Australia |
Syria |
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3 |
SCORE | 2 |
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Australia are through to the next round of the Asian Cup after a securing a tense 3-2 win over Syria in the UAE.
The Socceroos were under huge pressure late in the second half, but a last-minute goal from Tom Rogic ensured victory and back-to-back wins in the tournament.
Australia will now face either Japan or Uzbekistan in the knockout stages, after finishing in second place behind leaders Jordan in Group B.
Just like their climatic World Cup playoff encounter 15 months ago, Syria threw everything at the Socceroos and almost pulled off an upset.
The Qaisoun Eagles started brightly and put the Aussies under pressure with their high press.
Mat Ryan scuffed several clearances and at one point Syria had the ball in the back of the net, but it was ruled out for offside.
The Socceroos grew into the game with two excellent chances falling to Jamie Maclaren.
It was Awer Mabil who gave the defending champions a 1-0 lead with a solo wonder goal in the 41st minute.
However, that lead lasted all of 30 seconds as the Socceroos went to sleep and Omar Kharbin equalized immediately.
Mat Ryan saved Kharbin’s initial header but the winger tucked home the rebound to make it 1-1 at the break.
In the second half Chris Ikonomidis finished off a delightful pass from the outstanding Rogic to make it 2-1.
Controversy struck on 60 minutes as the ball bounced up and hit Mark Milligan’s arm in the box but no penalty was given, much to Syria’s chagrin.
But with 11 minutes left they had the penalty they craved after a Syrian player fell to the turf in the box despite minimal contact.
The dubious spot-kick was awarded and Omar Al Somah duly dispatched it to level it up once more.
Syria laid siege to the Australian goal, needing victory to stay alive in the Asian Cup, but the Socceroos grimly held on as time ran out.
Then Rogic put the result beyond doubt with a pile-driver deep into injury-time.
Final score
Socceroos 3
Syria 2
The Socceroos can book their spot in the knockout rounds of the Asian Cup and notch back-to-back wins when they face Syria. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 12:30am (AEDT).
Australia are in second place in Group B, behind Jordan, after a 3-0 defeat of Palestine and their 1-0 loss to Jordan. A draw or a win against Syria will ensure the green and gold’s Asian Cup campaign rolls on.
The Socceroos could even top their group if Palestine upset Jordan and Australia can down the Qaisoun Eagles, but that remains a big if. Syria will be no easybeats, despite their poor tournament in the UAE so far.
The Middle Eastern nation are in a bit of strife at the moment and sacked their coach, former Perth Glory boss Bernd Stange, after their defeat to Jordan.
But 14 months ago they pushed the Socceroos all the way in a hard-fought two-legged World Cup playoff. Syria drew 1-1 with Australia in Malyasia and were only finally beaten in the second leg thanks to a 109th minute Tim Cahill winner.
Australia advanced to face Honduras, and eventually reach Russia, only by the skin of their teeth. Syria pushed the Socceroos hard that day, particularly their talented striker Omar Al Somah, and won’t hold back on Tuesday afternoon.
Al Somah will skipper his nation against Australia and will be ablely supported by the likes of midfielder Ahmed Ashkar and centre forward Omar Kharbin. Nothing but a win will do with Syria, so they can throw caution at the wind.
Graham Arnold has options at his disposal with the return of Andrew Nabbout to full fitness. He will have to make do without Trent Sainsbury, who is suspended.
Arnold will either decided to replace Sainsbury with Matt Jurman or move Mark Milligan back into defence. If that happens, Massimo Luongo may be returned to central midfield alongside Jackson Irvine.
Prediction
The Socceroos looked to have restored their mojo against Palestine, with Irvine, Chris Ikonomidis and Awer Mabil particularly impressing. After getting rid of their earlier nerves, a struggling but tough Syria should be overcome.
Australia to win 1-0
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 12:30am (AEDT).
Game information
Where: Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
When: 12.30am AEDT
TV: Fox Sports
Betting: Australia $1.50, Draw $3, Syria $6
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