Weakened Syria eye World Cup upset
sydney — Syria will rely on their trademark fighting spirit to keep their World Cup ‘miracle’ alive against Australia on Tuesday, as the Socceroos look to ride a wave of home support.
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 twolegged clash with the fourth-placed team from the CONCACAF federation — currently Panama.
“Our match with Australia in Sydney is difficult, and although we’ll be missing five players (through injuries or suspension), we are used to playing outside of our land,” said Al Hakim.
“I say to our fans: what we have achieved so far is not only an achievement, but a miracle, and we will push with all our force to
What we have achieved so far is not only an achievement, but a miracle
Ayman Al Hakim, Syria coach
continue our journey on the path of achieving our dream.”
Striker Omar Al Soma, who only recently returned to the war-wracked team after a long absence believed to be for political reasons, said the squad didn’t lack self-belief.
“The draw (in Malaysia) was fair... our key for the second match will be the fighting spirit, the will, and the set pieces,” he said.
“For the Syrian people, the ‘fairytale’ surrounding the success of the Syrian football team cannot hide the six-year nightmare that we’ve had to endure,” said refugee Obau Al Akel, who fled Damascus and arrived in Australia in 2014.
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. —