AUSSIES VERSUS SYRIA
WAR-TORN Syria is the next opponent on the rocky road to Russia, with the Socceroos relegated to the World Cup playoffs for the first time since joining Asia.
The much-maligned Socceroos were just minutes away from facing Uzbekistan when Omar Al Somah, who’s just returned from a four-year international exile, netted a famous Syrian equaliser in the 93rd minute to draw 2-2 with Iran and overtake the Uzbeks in third.
South Korea and China also looked like possible opponents for the Socceroos in a tense final day of Group A qualifying, but Australia’s Asian Cup final opponents finished second to join Iran as the automatic qualifiers.
The Socceroos face the unpredictable Syrians, who have never qualified for the FIFA World Cup, in a two-legged affair starting with the duel in Malaysia on October 5.
Like Iraq, who the Socceroos dropped points to in Tehran, Syria’s neutral venue is offset by a bloody civil war that has lasted over six years and their team spirit is reflected in scoring an extraordinary four decisive stoppage-time goals in their last five games.
The winner faces two more decisive legs against the fourth-place Concacaf team – USA, Honduras or Panama – in November.
Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou said they would be prepared for Syria in their first playoff since the famous penalty shootout win over Uruguay in 2005.
“It’s obviously a more difficult road but it happens pretty quickly. (We) switch our minds and get it prepared,” Postecoglou said. “We’re always scouting the other group anyway just in case, for future reference, Asian Cups, we’ve already got some (intel).
“We’ll hone in all our work now, quick turnaround, get organised logistically, get info on the opposition – (the) process we normally do. Hit the ground running.
“The more difficult road, we’re kind of good at our stuff, it might be a little advantage for us, we back our processes in those areas.
“We’ll be able to minimise any disruptions.’’