Syria striker Omar Al Somah blasted home an 85th minute penalty to keep its World Cup dream alive as the side from the wartorn country battled back to earn a 1-1 draw against Australia in the first leg of their Asian confederation playoff on Thursday.
Forced to play its home matches in Malaysia due to security concerns, Syria had fall end behind when Robbie Kruse tapped in from close range in the first half but the underdogs refused to buckle to their vastly more experienced opponents.
After looking second best for the first hour, Syria threw caution to the wind as the match progressed and was rewarded for its industry with a result that will give confidence ahead of next week's second leg in Sydney.
Al Somah had hit the post with a header, that bounced back into keeper Matthew Ryan's hands, in the 77th minute but the Al-Ahli striker was not to be denied from the spot after the referee deemed he had been pushed by Matthew Leckie in the area.
Both sides then went close to scoring winning goals in a dramatic finale but the draw was a fair result that leaves the tie delicately poised.
Reuters/ Malacca
Forced to play its home matches in Malaysia due to security concerns, Syria had fall end behind when Robbie Kruse tapped in from close range in the first half but the underdogs refused to buckle to their vastly more experienced opponents.
After looking second best for the first hour, Syria threw caution to the wind as the match progressed and was rewarded for its industry with a result that will give confidence ahead of next week's second leg in Sydney.
Al Somah had hit the post with a header, that bounced back into keeper Matthew Ryan's hands, in the 77th minute but the Al-Ahli striker was not to be denied from the spot after the referee deemed he had been pushed by Matthew Leckie in the area.
Both sides then went close to scoring winning goals in a dramatic finale but the draw was a fair result that leaves the tie delicately poised.
Reuters/ Malacca
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