Our History vs Syria

For the second consecutive AFC Asian Cup, Australia will face Syria as the two teams meet in the second match of Group B.

The two nations cross paths on Thursday at 10:30pm AEDT at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.

Head to head, the Subway Socceroos have only played the Syrians on three occasions and all encounters have been extremely tough affairs.

Head-to-head

Played: 3
Wins: 2
Draws: 1
Losses: 0

2017 | 1-1 draw | FIFA World Cup Qualifying Play-off

Malacca, Malaysia would be the neutral venue for Syria's 'home' first leg of the FIFA World Cup 2018 AFC Fourth Round Play-off against Australia in October 2017. Robbie Kruse opened the scoring for the away side when he diverted Mathew Leckie's low shot beyond the goalkeeper on 40 minutes. Tomi Juric agonisingly struck the woodwork twice after break, seeing his initial strike and subsequent follow-up both rattle the upright. Leckie then conceded a penalty for a nudge in the back allowing prolific striker Omar Al Somah the chance to restore parity in the 85th minute. 

2017 | 2-1 win (AET) | FIFA World Cup Qualifying Play-off

The return leg in Sydney saw Omar Al Somah hand the visitors a shock lead with a clinical finish at the near post inside six minutes. Like he has so often done, Tim Cahill came to Australia's rescue. The talisman first levelled proceedings seven minutes later via a trademark header from Mathew Leckie's beautiful delivery. With the score still locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes, extra-time was required and up stepped Cahill again. Robbie Kruse's cross was met by a leaping Cahill to score his 50th and final goal for his country to send the Aussies into the intercontinental play-off against Honduras. 

2019 | 3-2 win | AFC Asian Cup

Australia's most recent meeting with Syria took place in the group stage of the 2019 edition of the AFC Asian Cup. In the third group game, Graham Arnold's side only needed a point to advance due to its win against Palestine in the previous matchday. Awer Mabil curled a stunning strike into the top corner, but two minutes later Omar Khribin equalised at the second attempt of asking after his initial effort was saved by Maty Ryan. Chris Ikonomidis latched onto Tom Rogic's defence splitting pass with his effort just crossing the line. Omar Al Somah's controversial penalty drew Syria level 10 minutes from time, however Rogic had the last say in stoppage time to make it 3-2 courtesy of a long-range drive and seal a second place finish in Group B with six points.