Syria v Australia: World Cup 2018 qualifying play-off – live!

The Socceroos are no strangers to Fifa World Cup qualification play-offs, and tonight’s clash with Syria will bring back mixed memories for the Australian national team faithful. Fans still mourn the what-could-have-been moments against Iran in 1997 and Uruguay in 2001, while few have forgotten their elation following John Aloisi’s iconic match-winning penalty in 2005. After failing to automatically qualify from a group containing regional heavyweights Japan and Saudi Arabia, Australia must once again face the play-off lottery to reach Russia 2018.

Between the Socceroos and a chance to play the United States, Panama or Honduras for World Cup qualification stand Syria. Much has been written about the Qasioun Eagles, who have attracted plenty of neutral admirers for securing results on the pitch while their homeland remains in a state of civil war. But this feel-good story, and the obvious parallels with Iraq’s 2007 Asian Cup win, might not be so straightforward. The national side has the backing of controversial Syrian president Bashar al-Assad - one news outlet even described it as “the dictator’s team” - and members of the Syrian Football Association have spoken in support of the leader. Sport and politics colliding once more.

The Australians face another adversity in neutral Melaka, Malaysia: the playing surface. Hang Jebat Stadium’s buffalo grass has already drawn criticism from the Socceroos camp, with reserve goalkeeper Mitch Langerak telling the media: “To be honest we’re not expecting anything from the pitch. I think it’s going to be quite bad.” While manager Ange Postecoglou has insisted that his game-plan will not be affected by the conditions, Australia struggled on a similar surface in Bangkok during a draw with Thailand last year. A grassy carpet this is not.

Syria are expected to sit deep and hit Australia on the counter-attack, an opposition approach which Australian coach Postecoglou has struggled to neutralise in recent matches. With his reputation and job on the line, the 52-year-old will be hoping for a marked improvement from his charges in Melaka, before both teams head to Sydney for the second leg next week. Anything less, and the Socceroos face the prospect of watching the World Cup from home for the first time in 16 years.
Will the Australian XI click into gear, as they did so impressively against Chile at the Fifa Confederations Cup in June? Or will the Syrian “fairytale” roll on? Please do send me your comments throughout the evening, via email or Twitter. Ta!


SOURCE : GUARDIAN SPORTS
posted by CAMPUS94