Key facts: Caltex Socceroos v Syria
The Caltex Socceroos and Syria will go into the second leg of their World Cup qualification play-off with it all to play for following a 1-1 draw in Malaysia on Thursday.
Robbie Kruse fired the Aussies ahead in the first half in Melaka before Omar Al Soma secured a point for Syria from the penalty spot late in the second stanza.
Australia host Syria in the return leg in Sydney on Tuesday night.
Check out some of the key facts to come out of the first-leg tie, courtesy of Opta Data.
- This was the seventh consecutive Asian World Cup Qualifying play-off that ended in a draw.
- Syria extended their unbeaten run to seven games (W2, D5), the last time they went longer without a loss was a nine-game streak from 2014 to 2015.
- This was the fifth consecutive World Cup Qualifier away from home without a win for Australia, their longest ever streak in World Cup qualification since moving to the Asian Confederation.
- Syria’s 85th minute penalty strike against Australia was the latest goal that the Socceroos have conceded since Round 3 of qualification began.
- Mathew Leckie became just the third player since Round 3 began to have scored three goals and assisted three goals, after setting up his side’s only goal in this game.
