Melaka: Syria and Australia will be aiming to move a step closer to the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 when they meet in the first leg of the continental play-off at Hang Jebat Stadium on Thursday.
Both sides finished third in their respective qualifying groups as they narrowly missed out on automatic progression to next summer’s tournament, but they now have a second chance to advance via the play-off route.
The second leg will take place in Sydney next Tuesday, with the winners to take on the fourth-ranked team from CONCACAF in the inter-confederation play-off in November.
Syria
Syria’s run to the play-off round has been one of the biggest stories on the Road to Russia as the Qasioun Eagles have proven resolute throughout and caused a few major upsets along the way in Group A.
Unbeaten in their temporary home of Malaysia, where Ayman Hakeem’s team claimed wins over Uzbekistan and Qatar, Syria also secured victory in China and a final-day 2-2 draw with group winners Islamic Republic of Iran to seal third place and a date with Australia.
Striker Omar Khribin is in fine form with club side Al Hilal and scored three goals in qualifying for the play-offs, while Mohmoud Al Mawas is also capable of chipping in with a goal from midfield.
The recent recall of another Saudi-based forward, Omar Al Soma, offers further firepower up front, and it was the Al Ahli man’s 93rd-minute equaliser in Tehran that ultimately saw Syria finish third in Group A.
Australia
Having appeared at three successive FIFA World Cups, Asian champions Australia went into the third round of qualifying as one of the favourites but, after winning their opening two fixtures, drew four on the bounce to leave them trailing the leading pack in Group B.
But the Socceroos returned to win their next two to leave themselves firmly in the hunt for an automatic place in Russia, before defeat to Japan and a narrow victory over Thailand saw Ange Postecoglou’s men ultimately finish third in the standings.
Only Japan and Saudi Arabia (17) scored more than Australia’s 16 goals in the third round of qualifying and, as ever, five-goal Tomi Juric will be someone the Syrian defence must keep an eye on.
Elsewhere, Mathew Leckie has netted valuable goals, while the likes of Massimo Luongo, Tomas Rogic and the veteran Tim Cahill will all pose a threat to a West Asian backline that has shipped less than a goal a game in getting this far.
Ones To Watch
Syria vs Australia
Venue: Hang Jebat Stadium, Melaka
Kick-off: October 5, 20:30 UTC+8
Photos: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com