Syria’s World Cup dream over as Cahill heads Australia into play-off

Australia win 3-2 on aggregate (aet)

Syria’s dreams of a World Cup debut were dashed by Tim Cahill’s aerial prowess as Australia’s record goalscorer converted an extra-time header – his second of the match – to put his side into a play-off. The Melbourne City midfielder’s 50th international goal came in the 109th minute to finally break the resilience of their opponents, who were reduced to ten men in the first additional period.

Syria’s fairytale looked like continuing when Omar Al Soma struck in only the sixth minute to give the war-torn nation a 2-1 aggregate lead at the ANZ Stadium in Sydney.

But Cahill, pictured, soon equalised with a trademark header and, despite some resilient defending, he scored the winner with 11 minutes to go to book their place in the intercontinental play-off against the fourth-placed CONCACAF side, which will be either Panama or Honduras.

Syria, gripped by civil war for six years, were missing five key players but they went ahead when tam er mo ham ad dispossessed Mark Milligan to counter-attack and set up Al Soma to fire past Maty Ryan. Matthew Leckie, whose inviting cross was converted by Cahill in the 13th minute, saw a closerange effort on the half-hour blocked by Zaher Medane and early in the second half Leckie powered a header wide. Ibrahim Alma then saved well at his post to deny Celtic midfielder Tom Rogic, whose deflected shot wide in the 90th minute was their last chance before extra-time.

Syria continued to hang on but their task was made more difficult by the dismissal of Mahmoud Al Mawas for a second yellow card before Cahill added a second header in the 109th minute.

There was still time for one dramatic twist when Al Soma lined up a 30-yard free-kick in added time but his shot hit the post with the keeper beaten.