Syria v Socceroos Review
Pre Match Analysis– The Socceroos made four changes from their game with Thailand. Jurman made his debut at international level. Syria go into the game with a lot of emotion; It would be a great story if they were to make the world cup in Russia.
First Half Analysis
Risdon got forward early to signal the Socceroos intent. Postecoglou chose to go with two attacking wing backs; Risdon and Behich weren’t afraid to get forward and create chances.
Mooy worked hard; He made a pivotal intervention early. Mooy passed the ball exquisitely.
Mohamad made an important tackle, which meant that the Syrians weren’t going to be a pushover.
Both teams defended well early on in the game. It appeared as if the game would end up being an arm wrestle. Neither side looked like getting a shot on goal, let alone scoring a goal.
The Syrians weren’t afraid to get physical, however, both sides looked to expose holes in defence
Leckie made an intelligent run in the final third and Kruse finished off the accurate cross with a goal in the fortieth minute.
Half Time Analysis– The Socceroos went into the break with a crucial away goal, however, the Syrians were extremely competitive.
Second Half Analysis
Juric hit the wood work on two successive occasions within a few seconds.
Sainsbury made a number of crucial interventions.
When Rukavytsya substituted on for Risdon the momentum of the game changed for the Socceroos. This meant that Leckie was deployed in a more defensive position.
Leckie conceded a penalty which was contentious. Al Soma converted the penalty in the eighty fifth muinute. The Syrians deserved the equalizer on the balance of play.
The Syrian goal keeper made a superb save off a header from Sainsbury to salvage a draw for Syria.
Full Time Analysis– A one all draw leaves the tie in the balance. Qualification hangs in the balance for both sides, with the Socceroos expected to win on home soil on the tenth of October.