Road to Russia: Syria stays in fray with late penalty

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Bengaluru, October 5: Syria's prolific striker Omar Al Soma converted from the spot in the 85th minute to keep their World Cup dreams alive as they secured a 1-1 draw with Australia in the first leg of their continental play-off tie at Hang Jebat Stadium in Melaka, Malaysia, today (October 5).

Forced to play their home matches in Malaysia due to political unrest in the country, Syria had fallen 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.

Ange Postecoglou's men appeared to be on course for a 1-0 win thanks to Kruse's first-half goal, but Al Soma converted an 85th minute penalty to ensure Syria stayed in the hunt on the Road to Russia.

Australia sat back during the early exchanges, appearing determined not to get caught out on the break, something they have been susceptible to in recent times.

Syria began the second half with renewed belief and tested Mat Ryan in the Australia goal for the first time two minutes after the re-start, but the Brighton and Hove Albion man pushed Mahmoud Al Maowas' 20-yard effort away.

But Syria were presented with the gift their performance deserved in the 85th minute, as Matthew Leckie was harshly penalised for a push in the area and Al Soma emphatically converted from the spot to earn a share of the spoils ahead of the second leg to be played at Stadium Australia in Sydney on October 10.

The winner of the tie then advances to a two-legged inter-continental play-off against the fourth-placed side from the CONCACAF region next month with a berth at Russia 2018 awaiting the victors.