Syria’s late surge to advance to the global showpiece had generated headlines around the world as they finished above Uzbekistan, China PR and Qatar in their qualification group to book an Asian Playoff showdown with FIFA World Cup regulars Australia.

The two sides knew victory would take them within one match – an Inter-Confederation Playoff against Honduras – of a place in Russia and what played out was a contest that lives long in the memory.

Syria’s dream remains alive

A stoppage-time Omar Al Soma strike at Azadi Stadium saw Syria claim a commendable 2-2 draw against the Islamic Republic of Iran as the Qasioun Eagles pipped Uzbekistan to third place in their qualifying group to line up a date against an Australian team who would have been disappointed to miss out on direct qualification to the FIFA World Cup.

The Socceroos were the undoubted favourites but Syria, boasting the fearsome frontline of the two Omars – Al Soma and Khribin – were creating all the headlines as their fairytale run had them on the verge of one of the most remarkable footballing stories in recent memory.
With Syria playing their home games in Malaysia, Melaka’s Hang Jebat Stadium staged the first leg – the first-ever meeting between the sides – and it was the Socceroos who struck first, Robbie Kruse diverting Mathew Leckie’s effort into the back of the net in the 40th minute. Tomi Juric then struck the woodwork twice in quick succession in the second half.

But the Syrians’ never-say-die attitude – which had seen them score four of their nine goals in stoppage time during the group stage – was again on display. Al Soma’s header was tipped onto the post by Mathew Ryan before the striker had the last laugh, coolly converting from the spot with five minutes to play to leave the tie firmly in the balance ahead of the return meeting in Australia.

Rollercoaster in Sydney

If the first leg had been entertaining, the second was nothing short of a classic. The hosts were looking to progress to a fourth successive FIFA World Cup, but Stadium Australia was rocked early on when Tamer Haj Mohamad played in Al Soma to break the deadlock in the sixth minute as the Syrians moved 2-1 in front on aggregate.

The lead was short-lived, however, as Leckie crossed for Tim Cahill to head home the equaliser seven minutes later to leave the sides level pegging at the interval. Tom Rogic went close in the second half as the game headed to extra time, but Syria were given a mountain to climb when a second bookable offence saw Mahmoud Al Mawas dismissed in the 94th minute.
With Syria clinging on for penalties, Cahill rose highest to head home his 50th and final Australia goal with a trademark header in the 109th minute to send the crowd into raptures. Incredibly, the drama was not over. Al Soma struck the outside of the post with a wicked free-kick in the 121st minute as Stadium Australia breathed a collective sigh of relief and the contest ended 3-2.

Syria bowed out with broken hearts and heads held high having come so close, while Ange Postecoglou’s Australia went on to claim a 3-1 aggregate victory over Honduras to secure their place as Asia’s fifth representative in Russia before the now-Tottenham Hotspur boss stepped down from his role.

From the World Cup to the Asian Cup

With memories of their clash in 2017 still fresh, the two sides were drawn together at the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019. Qualification – this time to the knockout rounds – was again on the line when they met in Al Ain and the match-up more than lived up to its billing.

Khribin’s goal three minutes before the interval cancelled out Awer Mabil’s superb opener just two minutes earlier as the sides went in level. Chris Ikonomidis put Graham Arnold’s Australia back in front nine minutes after the restart, only for Al Soma to score his third goal in three matches against the Socceroos, firing home from the spot with 10 minutes to play.

But with Syria needing a win to advance, it was Australia who again ended their dream, Rogic drilling into the back of the net from outside the box to seal a 3-2 victory. Champions four years earlier on home soil, the Australians advanced before the defence of their title was ended by the United Arab Emirates in the quarter-finals.
Just over five years to the day since they last met, Australia and Syria will face off at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Al Rayyan on January 18. This time there will be no Al Soma after the veteran striker was left out of Hector Cuper’s squad but, having claimed a commendable opening-day draw against Uzbekistan, Syria will feel they are well-placed to reach the last 16.

Arnold’s side top the early Group B standings after seeing off India 2-0 and, for the third time, they will seek to progress to the next phase with a win over the Syrians. The stage is set for another chapter in a relatively new rivalry that has already delivered some classics.