Syria equalizes in the first step to the World Cup

CAIRO – 5 October 2017: Syria manages to achieve a late equalizer in the qualifier game to the World Cup 2018 against Australia at Hang Jebat Stadium, Malaysia, in the first leg match.

Just five minutes before the end of the first half, Robbie Kruse attacked from the right side and managed to overcome Syrian left back Moayd Al Agan who plays for Zamalek, scoring a strong ball with his left foot that the Syrian goalkeeper failed to block.

Meanwhile, the Syrian team returned to the second half more aggressive, with greater performance. Even though many goals were blocked by the Australian crossbar, the Syrians never showed weakness; refusing to end the game to their loss.

Approximately 85 minutes in, Omar Al Soma equalized the game for Syria with a penalty kick granted to him after Australia’s Mathew Leckie's foul against him in the penalty area.

With the penalty goal, Syria has to win in the second leg match at Australia, or end the game with a draw that exceeds 1-1 to be able to qualify to the World Cup.