War-torn Syria’s hopes of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time have ended in a 2-1 extra-time loss to an Australia.
Tim Cahill again delivered for his country with two headed goals in a comeback win in an Asian play-off on Tuesday.
His strikes came moments after Omar al-Soma hit the post with a free kick that could have earned Syria a spot in the final stage of qualifying.
The Syrians were so close to securing a spot in Russia after salvaging a 1-1 draw in the first leg last week at their adopted home ground in Malaysia and taking an early lead in the return match in Sydney.
But Cahill’s goals in the 13th minute and in extra time secured Australia’s place in a playoff next month against the fourth-place team from North and Central America, which is currently Panama ahead of the final round of fixtures this evening.
Both teams were visibly nervous and Australia remained on top throughout but were unable to find the winner in normal time.
Syria were reduced to 10 men just four minutes into extra time, Mahmoud Al Mawas picking up a second yellow for a late challenge on Robbie Kruse, before Cahill settled the tie with his second header of the evening.
