PLAY-OFF IS OZ-SOME FOR SYRIA

SYRIA are on the cusp of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time after drawing 2-2 with Iran last night to seal a play-off tie with Australia.

Omar Al Soma’s late equaliser earned Ayman Hakeem’s men third spot in Group A and set up a showdown with Celtic star Tom Rogic’s Socceroos.

Syria became the first team to score against Iran in 13 qualification matches when Tamer Haj Mohamed netted from close range after Al Soma’s free-kick had been fumbled by Iranian keeper Alireza Beiranvand.

A double from Sardar Azmoun looked to have given Iran all three points until Al Soma – playing only his second match for Syria since his return from a self-imposed exile – slid the ball through Beiranvand’s legs to level deep into stoppage time.

The draw meant Syria finished level on 13 points with Uzbekistan but took third place on goal difference.

Australia were made to work hard for their 2-1 Group B win over a defensive Thailand.

Tomi Juric gave the Socceroos the lead after 69 minutes only for Pokklaw Anan to level against the run of play.

Mathew Leckie restored the lead for Ange Postecoglou’s team but the game at AAMI Stadium fizzled out towards the end.

South Korea secured a ninth straight appearance at the World Cup with a 0-0 draw against Uzbekistan in Tashkent.

Lee Keun-ho, Son Heung-min and Lee Donggook all hit the woodwork for Shin Tae-yong’s men but it mattered little as they earned the point that sealed second place in Group A of Asia’s qualifying competition behind qualified Iran.

While Al Muwallad’s 63rd-minute winner ensured Saudi Arabia a narrow 1-0 victory over Japan to finish as Group B runners-up.

Meanwhile Spain confirmed a Group G top-two spot by thrashing Liechtenstein 8-0.

The Spaniards were back to their best as they raced into a three-goal lead inside 16 minutes thanks to Sergio Ramos, Alvaro Morata and Isco before David Silva added another with his superb free-kick before half-time.

Iago Aspas hit a double and Morata was on target again after the break before things got worse for Liechtenstein as Maximilian Goppel netted a OG to complete the rout.

The result means Spain stay three points clear of second-placed Italy, who also sealed a top-two spot despite toiling to a 1-0 win over Israel.

Ciro Immobile’s header on 53 minutes was the difference for the Italians.

In Group I, Turkey beat Croatia 1-0 thanks to hitman Cenk Tosun’s 75th-minute strike.