Project Brave? Syrian players define brave
HAMPDEN witnessed the strange sight of the Tartan Army celebrating news of Marcus Rashford’s winner for England against Slovakia as the Auld Enemy did Gordon Strachan’s side a turn.
But another qualifying goal was wildly celebrated in parts of Scotland 24 hours after Monday’s win over Malta and it had nothing to do with our World Cup hopes.
Omar Al Soma’s late goal for Syria earned a 2-2 draw in Iran to book a play-off with Australia in one of the most incredible sporting stories.
A tale that puts Scotland’s 20-year wait to return to the major international stage firmly into perspective.
There have been plenty of tears shed by the Tartan Army over a succession of failed campaigns but nothing akin to the Syrian commentator who sobbed when describing Al Soma’s stoppage-time leveller for a nation ripped apart by civil war.
His description went viral, racking up more than a million views online, before the full-time whistle seconds later sparked fervent celebrations among the Syrian players and coaching staff.
It was the same for the majority of the 1500 Syrian refugees who have resettled in Scotland as they watched the drama unfold on dodgy streams on laptops and smartphones.
There has been little positivity associated with a country ravaged by war for the past six years until now. Yet even in their moment of glory there was a dark side with some viewing the success of the national team as a propaganda opportunity for president Bashar Assad.
Al-Soma scored after returning from a self-imposed exile for political reasons but football is playing a small part in helping to heal divisions.
Speaking to Sports View Ahmed, who asked for his surname not to be printed, is a Syrian refugee who has been living in Glasgow for two years after fleeing Damascus.
He said: “I watched the game on my phone and some Facebook pages streamed the match live. I was speechless. Most Syrians in Scotland would have tuned into the game.
“I cheered the goal because Syria are a step closer to qualifying for the World Cup and that makes you feel the rush. I really want them to qualify for Russia but it wasn’t a completely warm feeling.
“It’s complicated when you are talking about a country ruled by a dictator. Nobody would have had second thoughts about celebrating the goal but it’s wrong for the government to hijack it.
“There is a huge debate for Syrians just now – should we support our national team or not? The ones who say we should say it’s sport and nothing do with politics but those against it cite the fact the government are using the football team.
“I want to see my country going to the World Cup and I look forward to the day I can support the national team and the players aren’t used by the government. Hopefully that is in Russia 2018.”
The decline of the Scotland national team has sparked so many debates on the best way forward with Project Brave the latest attempt to get us back on the big stage.
Forget grassroots development and facilities. The Syrian players define brave. Their domestic league has been decimated by the collapse of their country and their league players earn an average of just £160 per month. Their success is driven by passion and pride.
The winners of their clash with the Socceroos will meet the fourth-placed CONCACAF team for a spot at Russia 2018.
If Syria, who have never qualified for the finals, can pull it off it would be the greatest story in World Cup history.
There has been little positivity associated with a nation ravaged by war