Syrians preparing for a battle royal

Sydney – Syria will rely on their trademark fighting spirit to keep their World Cup “miracle” alive against Australia today.

The Syrians were fortunate to grab a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the Asian play-off in Malaysia last week, courtesy of a controversial late penalty that left Australia fuming.

But it was enough to maintain a remarkable qualifying campaign that has defied Syria’s brutal civil war, thanks largely to a steely resolve instilled by coach Ayman al-Hakim.

It now comes down to 90 minutes at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium, with the winners going into a two-legged clash with the fourth-placed team from the Concacaf federation – currently Panama.

In a country gripped by conflict, politics are never far away and Syrian refugees and community leaders will be protesting against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime before the game.

The stadium has been home to some of the Socceroos’ most memorable moments, including the 2005 World Cup play-off win against Uruguay that sent them to their first finals in 32 years.

Coach Ange Postecoglou said home support could make all the difference to Australia, who also lifted the Asian Cup trophy in the same venue in 2015.

“When 80% of your players play abroad, it has extra significance when they play at home in front of family and friends and feel that love from the crowd,” he told reporters. –